Sigma Chi - University of Memphis

The WISE OLD OWL Epsilon Kappa ChaptEr of sigma Chi fratErnity at thE UnivErsity of mEmphis Fall 2019 FEATURES: MidSouth Alumni Chapter Flourishes - 2 • Building Leaders for Our Chapter, Campus, and Community - 3 P reviously, we made you aware of Harvard's new policy that sanctions single-sex organizations. Neil Carrigan '07 has written an article in this newsletter that updates you about a lawsuit filed by Sigma Chi and other Greek organizations challenging that policy. Additionally, legislation has recently been introduced that addresses this issue. The Collegiate Freedom of Association Act (CFAA), which would amend the Higher Education Act, was introduced in June 2019 to the House of Representatives. Through the CFAA, universities would be unable to penalize students who are members of single-sex organizations, whether the groups are officially recognized or not by the university. The bill would effectively end Harvard's previous sanctions, which included exclusion from captaining varsity sports teams and receiving university recommendations for external scholarships. The act is sponsored by Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a Harvard graduate, Marine Corps veteran, and fellow Sigma Chi. Cited by the Harvard Crimson, Gallego wrote in an emailed statement that his decision to support CFAA is rooted in his own Sigma Chi experience at Harvard. "All Americans have a constitutional right to freedom of association, and this legislation merely reinforces these rights for students enrolled in college," he wrote. "I have personally benefited from opportunities to form life-long friends at Harvard University as a member of Sigma Chi, and that support system helped me through difficult times after I returned from the Iraq war." Eighteen co-sponsors, including another Harvard graduate, have since pledged their CFAA support. How can Epsilon Kappa alumni make a difference? Contact your senators and representatives and ask them to co-sponsor CFAA to protect the rights of fraternities, sororities, and their members. The Fraternal Government Relations Coalition offers an easy script to effectively explain to your representatives why this legislation is essential for current and incoming college students. Learn more about their messaging guide here: http://bit.ly/31wQoBo. Beyond calling your local representatives to encourage their support of CFAA, pay attention to those seeking office in the next election. By electing pro-Greek legislators, we can establish change at the highest levels. Selecting representatives who understand and support the benefits of fraternity and sorority life ensures a long future for Sigma Chi and Greek organizations across the nation. In Hoc, Kirk Caraway '94 President, Memphis Sigma Chi House Group, Inc. kcaraway@allensummers.com Sigma Chi Congressman Launches Pro-Greek Legislation How the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act Could Repeal Harvard Sanctions The new member class of 2019 in front of the Chapter House.

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