News
2006-05-16
Fraternity opens
its arms to transgender students
Sigma Phi Beta's
national board of directors enacts groundbreaking
policy.
Sigma Phi Beta
Sigma Phi Beta
made a bold move on Sunday, when the fraternity's national
board of directors voted to allow transgender students to
join its ranks.
The
new policy allows any individual who identifies as
male—regardless of the legal recognition of their
gender—to seek membership in Sigma Phi Beta.
The policy also allows members to maintain their
membership if at a later date they decide to change their
gender to female.
Sigma Phi Beta's
decision was hailed by transgender activists.
"Sigma Phi Beta's
decision to welcome transgender fraternity members is
in direct fulfillment of the Greek Life values of
self-determination, self-actualization, and
brotherhood," said transgender activist, educator, and
author Jamison Green. "The inclusion of gay and
transgender students in the fraternity system ensures the
formative experience of true brotherhood."
Sigma Phi Beta
was originally formed as a local chapter at Arizona State
University in 2003. The inclusive fraternity formed its own
national parent organization in July 2005. Sigma Phi
Beta president and chairman Sam Holdren said his
fraternity's decision to allow transgender members is
a continuation of their supportive policies.
"Students develop
best in environments where they feel valued,
protected, accepted, and socially connected to their peers,"
Holdren said. (The Advocate)
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