Inclusion Across Panhellenic Community

DPhiE’s enduring commitment to antidiscrimination practices, inclusion, equity, justice, and sisterhood, was highlighted at the national level this spring as the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) brought forth -- well almost -- a policy amendment that if passed, would have allowed its 26 member sororities to define “woman” as they see fit. Such a critical step would have opened up the possibility for non-binary individuals on college campuses across the country to become part of the fraternal community.

The NPC’s move toward such a recruitment policy amendment was guided by years of leadership on trans women and non-binary inclusion started and continuously led by DPhiE.

In 2017, Delta Phi Epsilon’s leadership adopted a forwardthinking, inclusive policy that opened our membership to trans women and non-binary individuals. It was a bold statement and an exhaustively researched decision. Over the years since we implemented this policy, as an international organization, we have been educating on, explaining -- and defending -- our position on campuses across North America and in conversations with NPC leadership.

Last year, the NPC voted to adopt a recruitment eligibility policy amendment that set the definition of “woman” for the purposes of panhellenic recruitment as “an individual who consistently lives and self-identifies as a woman.” But, this change only accomplished part of what DPhiE has been fighting for, as it still left out non-binary individuals.

In February, DPhiE submitted an amendment to NPC’s recruitment eligibility policy, which NPC replaced in March. If passed at the annual meeting in April, it would have allowed all member sororities to define “woman” as they see fit, finally opening up the possibility for non-binary individuals on college campuses across the country feeling welcome to join the fraternal community. In this pivotal moment, some of DPhiE’s non-binary members shared their stories of how DPhiE’s inaugural policy gave them a home in the sorority community -- and what a larger such policy across the system could mean for other students.

To our disappointment,, the NPC ultimately failed to bring the policy amendment up for a vote at its Annual Membership Meeting, conveying that more research and education was needed for member organizations to make an educated decision. DPhiE developed and formally enacted our sorority’s gender inclusion policy in 2017 with the intention to officially establish an environment that is safe, free from stigma and discrimination, and welcoming for all potential new members, sisters, volunteers and staff, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. NPC’s decision to forfeit raising this amendment for a vote sends a devastating message that inclusion across college campuses is not a priority to sorority leadership. Sadly, this move neglects to advance the progress of DPhiE’s policy that has made a life-changing difference in the lives of our members.

Much like our Founders, we have been tested. However, what remains of utmost importance to us is that our members’ voices be heard and that DPhiE is an inclusive space for all individuals to be their true, authentic selves. Regardless of the NPC’s decision, we will continue our steadfast commitment to inclusivity and will serve as a resource to other NPC member groups if they choose to take steps to update their recruitment eligibility policies. Esse Quam Videri -- to be, rather than to seem to be -- forever drives who we are.