Gender Inclusion Resolution
The 2014 Grand Chapter Conference approved the following resolution to embrace gender inclusion. This was part of a series of work by the National Development Committee regarding Inclusion Initiatives and Recommendations.
A Resolution to Embrace Gender Inclusion
Whereas, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity became co-educational in 1977 by requirement of Federal law, a mandate which was slowly accepted by Chapters of Phi Sigma Pi over the course of the next decade, making us the Fraternity that we are today: one that is better because of the explicitly defined inclusion of women; and
Whereas, we recognize that simply referring to ourselves as a co-educational National Honor Fraternity still excludes both Brothers and prospective members who identify outside of gender binary labels of “male” or “female;” and
Whereas, we, as a Fraternity of Scholars who recognize that imprecise language has the power to exclude; and
Whereas, we, as a Fraternity of Leaders who recognize that an act of law should not be required to effect change when the correct choice of action is clear; and
Whereas, we, as a Fraternity of Fellows who wish to ensure that all members of the communities in which we exist and interact are welcome in our circle:
Be it hereby resolved on this day of July 31, 2014 by the Grand Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity,
That we reaffirm the acceptance of all of our Brothers and shall demonstrate these values by declaring that we, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, will nationally describe ourselves as a “gender-inclusive Fraternity” rather than a “co-educational Fraternity” and we shall encourage Chapters and individual Brothers to do so as well; and
That we, as a national organization, will incorporate gender inclusive language throughout our organization’s official communication channels and encourage our Chapters to adopt it as well. Through these actions we will strive to create awareness of gender inclusiveness both in our organization and in our communities.
