Sorority Announces Policy on Trans and Non-binary Inclusion

Tim Burke, Manley Burke, tburke@manleyburke.com

Delta Phi Epsilon recently announced its “Policy on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion.”  The policy makes it clear that the sorority is “welcoming and inclusive of trans women and non-binary individuals.  Any conduct which fosters a hostile environment for trans women and non-binary individuals will not be tolerated.  Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority will include trans women and non-binary individuals as members in all areas of the organization, as long as they are willing to accept and share in the collective experiences of the sisterhood.”

With regard to recruitment, the policy makes four points:

• Women will always be considered … inclusive of cisgender women and transgender women;
• Identities that may be considered for membership include non-binary, gender non-conforming individuals who are committed to the advancement of womanhood;
• Identities that will not be considered regardless of belief in womanhood are cisgender men, what we define as a person designated male at birth and identify as a man;
• No member is required to provide documentation regarding their gender. We welcome all women as they self-identify.

The policy also makes it clear that “we trust and empower each one of our chapters to make decisions that is the best for their chapter and the sorority and their recruitment activities.

Of important note is that those identified as men at birth who continue to identify as men, will not be considered for membership in Delta Phi Epsilon.