DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING

ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEMATIC PAST OF GREEK ORGANIZATIONS AND ALPHA DELTA PI

In 1851, Alpha Delta Pi was founded as the first secret society for college women, which at the time, reflected a dedication to inclusion and diversity in a world where women were neglected rights only offered to their male counterparts. While our organization provided a progressive step toward gender equality in 1851, we recognize that we did not continue to adapt to the continuously evolving definition of diversity and inclusion over time. 

Our lack of evolution has resulted in our silence and ignorance to the plight of others, and we recognize our organization’s contribution to a history of exclusionary practices that have perpetuated inequitable and unaccessible systems. Standards for membership were created through a heteronormative lens, by and for white Christian women exclusively, forging a barrier of entry for marginalized groups including (but not limited to) BIPOC, POC, and the LGBTQ+ community. In addressing this disheartening reality, we pledge to move forward by enacting impactful, lasting changes to eliminate the historic exclusivity not only within Alpha Delta Pi, but throughout the entire Greek community.

Our motto is We Live for Each Other which calls us to support each of our past, present, and future members by making changes that advocate for a more equitable and accessible system. We recognize that while language and policy can be altered, the true measure of our dedication to diversity and inclusion must be shown through our actions.

OUR INITIATIVES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING

Our words We Live For Each Other cannot ring true until we stand up for all of our sisters, especially Black, Indigenous, POC, and those from other marginalized identities. It is our mission to hold our chapter and organization accountable for exclusionary actions; whether they be microaggressions, implicit biases, or overt displays of prejudice and discrimination. The Psi Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi condemns Greek life’s shameful legacy of exclusion and oppression and is committed to fighting to enact changes to the system that will create an open and welcoming environment for all. We acknowledge that change starts with us, and have detailed below a variety of action steps taken by the ADPi organization, and Psi Chapter in particular, that strive toward a more inclusive tomorrow.

Psi Chapter Efforts

• Promoted the Community Development Chair to sit on the Executive Committee, and the position was retitled as Director of Inclusion. This is an effort to prioritize the focus on diversity and inclusion within our chapter, and greek life as a whole.

• Diversity and Inclusion Committee is being implemented to promote discussions, and engage chapter members in important topics regarding racism, homophobia, and oppression.  

• Hosting Talk About It Tuesdays, virtually, as a space where chapter members can come together and discuss important local, national, and global issues. 

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging presentations are given each semester, and prior to recruitment, to assist in educating our chapter on how to be better allies and how to promote inclusivity.

• Last but not least, Psi of Alpha Delta Pi is committed to holding our members strictly accountable to embodying our DEIB initiatives

National Efforts

• In 2017, Alpha Delta Pi formed the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and this group transitioned to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee in 2019, providing; education and resources, facilitated training for chapters and volunteers, chapter and alumnae volunteer support, and collaborated with Sorority leadership to support DEIB strategic planning.

• Alpha Delta Pi’s membership policy language was updated in 2017 to include membership eligibility to individuals identifying as women, including trans women.

• Educational sessions were held at Grand Convention 2017; in 2018 at Adelphean Compass, District Leadership Conference, and Leadership Seminar; and at Grand Convention 2019. These sessions were designed for collegiate officers and alumnae volunteers on topics relating to inclusive leadership, cultivating an inclusive sisterhood, understanding our history, and support the identities and lived experiences of members. DEIB concepts continue to be infused into facilitator training and sessions for in-person experiences.

• Launched Talk About It Tuesdays, an educational series consisting of both webinars, educational posts on social media, and an online community, for members to learn and engage with one another on various topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion; health and safety; and other topics impact our members today.

• Provided education and resources for members to understand Alpha Delta Pi History, its impact today, and how we move forward to be a more inclusive organization. This item includes the Summer 2020 issues of The Adelphean, training, education, and resource development.

• Built out support and resources for already existing Diversity & Inclusion Officers in our collegiate chapters, whether at chapter-level or on the campus Panhellenic.

• Established Director of Inclusion position in the chapter officer structure.

• Developed a bias incident reporting form and support procedures laid out, disseminated, and assessed for continuous improvement.

• Created affinity spaces on Facebook for LGBTQ+ identified members, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) members, and Interfaith discussion.