The Update | September 12, 2023

The Update

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September 12, 2023

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Published

September 12, 2023

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Lorie Land

Industry Update Provided by NPC

Week of August 29

Saying private organizations can interpret their own rules—including how to define “woman”—a Wyoming federal judge dismissed a lawsuit six women brought challenging their sorority’s induction of a transgender member on Friday, according to Cowboy State Daily and Casper Star Tribune.

U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson threw out a case against University of Wyoming's Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and transgender member Artemis Langford, ruling that sisters Jaylyn Westenbroek, Hannah Holtmeier, Allison Coghan, Grace Choate, Madeline Ramar, and Megan Kosar could not force the “private, voluntary” sorority to use their definition of “woman,” which does not include transgender people. Johnson’s decision brings an initial end to a lawsuit that has captured national attention amid intense debate around transgender rights.

A New York Times opinion piece argues that the pleas for more diversity in sororities may be an overreach, especially at colleges in the American South.

Week of September 11

Yahoo Life reported on the toll that sorority rush can take on potential new members’ mental health. The article features commentary from Morgan Cadenhead, an 18-year-old from Florida who participated in sorority rush at the University of Alabama but did not receive a bid. Cadenhead said that she was broken when she found out that she did not receive a bid and that she had “been sold a pipe dream” by its representation on social media. In a statement provided to Yahoo Life, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) stated that the recruitment process is “a fun and important element of the sorority experience—it brings young women together to learn about and experience the benefits of sorority life for the first time. The NPC has clearly established policies to guide the recruitment process and ensure potential new members feel supported every step of the way."

In a recent episode of The Waves, a podcast by Slate, host Kat Chow interviews Tressie McMillian Cottom to discuss her recent New York Times opinion piece, “In Alabama, White Tide Rushes On.” McMillian Cottom states that Bama Rush captures fascination and discomfort about womanhood and gender and talks about the relationship between power and Greek life at the University of Alabama.

Fox News also interviewed Allie Coghan, former Kappa Kappa Gamma member and lawsuit plaintiff, and published an article regarding the University of Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma lawsuit. Coghan said she pledges to keep fighting despite the judge’s ruling.

In response to MSNBC’s interview with Artemis Langford, Fox News released an article summarizing the interview, mentioning that MSNBC’s segment did not raise the specific allegations in the lawsuit against Langford. According to the allegations in the lawsuit, Langford “had been ‘watching’ members of the sorority house” as well as asking members about their sex lives.

Kappa Alpha Theta Board Service Prep Program

Given the dynamic social climate and the ever-changing higher education landscape, it is vital that all who serve or wish to serve as board members understand the opportunities and challenges facing Kappa Alpha Theta, as well as the broader spectrum of membership-based organizations and higher education. It’s also important that board members fully grasp the scope of their responsibilities and have a solid understanding of how those responsibilities differ from other Theta volunteer responsibilities.

To accomplish this, we will once again offer a virtual board service prep program before the 2024-2026 elections for Theta’s three boards: Grand Council, Theta Foundation Board of Trustees, and Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) Board. The program will consist of one-hour sessions, beginning in late September, facilitated by a mix of subject matter experts. The program will cover a combination of general board service fundamentals, beneficial for any nonprofit board work, as well as Theta-specific content.

Anyone interested in 2024 board candidacy, anyone who wants to learn more about what Theta’s boards do, or anyone who believes they may be interested in serving on a board in the future should apply. Participation in the program is not required for board eligibility, nor does participation guarantee election. Please complete the registration form to register for the program. The first session will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Each session will be recorded and sent to everyone who registers. Dates and times will vary each month based on facilitator availability. If you have any questions, contact Chief Executive Officer Jenni Schmaltz.

Workforce Opportunities

The budget committee has an available budget district director (BDD) position. If you are interested in the BDD role or know of someone who would be a good fit, please submit/encourage them to submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator in Theta Portal under Forms. If you are interested in the role or learning more, please contact Kourtnee Jones, assistant director of collegiate services.

Ritual Updates

To make progress with Kappa Alpha Theta’s strategic plan goal (Intentionally foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization.), a special committee on ritual was appointed to review current ritual practices and to make recommendations regarding additions, eliminations, or edits. This committee was made up of Thetas, all non-staff, from various ages, backgrounds, and chapters. After much discussion and examination, the members of Grand Council reviewed the recommendations from the committee and determined that some changes should be implemented by all college chapters. Please see the full letter from Grand Council for more information.

Seeking Mentors for the Thetas in Marketing Mentoring Program

Registration is now open for the Thetas in Marketing Mentor Program! The program begins Sept. 25 and runs through Dec. 1. Mentors and mentees will complete program milestones that include:

Meet & Greet
Interview Prep/Résumé Review
Professional Tips
Your Choice! (Mentors/mentees can decide something that wasn't covered in previous milestones.)

We need mentors to work with mentees. Please consider signing up or sharing with your Theta networks. Learn more about the program on the Event Board or by emailing thetaconnect@kappaalphatheta.org.

Thank you for helping our next generation of Thetas advance their careers and grow their professional networks!

ThetaConnect

ThetaConnect, our members-only app, is growing! ThetaConnect has

Surpassed 10,400 users,
Gained more than 2,000 new users since January, and
More than 30 chapters have over 90 members within the platform.
Beta Delta/Arizona is the first chapter that has exceeded 300 members on the platform!

Please contact Digital Marketing Coordinator Madi Leger or Digital Engagement and Alumnae Marketing Manager Lisa Thibault regarding general ThetaConnect questions or how you can use ThetaConnect for member programming.