Outlining the Changes and Rationale for Delta Gamma Fraternity’s BEID Statements and Anti-Discrimination Policy 

The value of belonging, equity, inclusion and diversity (BEID) in our society has garnered significant importance over the past several years. As our communities evolve and grow into more inclusive environments, it is imperative for the survival of any organization to recognize the importance of all individuals feeling valued and respected. This is not only of moral importance, but it is strategically crucial for Delta Gamma to prioritize belonging, equity and diversity (BEID) to build a prosperous and sustainable future.  

Upcoming generations are looking for a place to belong. They expect diversity because they come from diverse households. They expect empowerment because they feel empowered by technology. They expect an individualized, personal experience because they believe that well-being is a community responsibility. They expect to experience multiple perspectives because they are globally minded. Delta Gamma’s priorities must strive to reflect the future. This ensures that future generations will continue to seek community and belonging within Delta Gamma Fraternity.  

In response to this imperative, Delta Gamma Fraternity has taken several steps to create a strategic framework for a more equitable and inclusive organization. In 2019, Delta Gamma did the work of examining and reflecting upon its history. Between 2019 and 2024, Delta Gamma partnered with Social Responsibility Speaks (SRS) to conduct an assessment which led to the creation of the Organizational Equity Assessment (OEA) recommendations, created a strategic plan to address some of the recommendations, had SRS to overlay the strategic plan with the recommendations to acknowledge and address gaps, established Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Commission (DEIAC), created the volunteer position of Director: Belonging, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, created the staff role of assistant director for belonging efforts and endorsed the creation of the Organizational Equity Commission (OEC) to further the work of the former DEIAC with a new charge. To reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusion, Delta Gamma released a positional statement of inclusivity.  

In April 2024, Fraternity Council amended the positional statement on inclusivity. The amended positional statement aims to clarify the Fraternity’s commitment to belonging, equity, inclusion and diversity, welcoming all people to freely reflect their true, authentic selves. Delta Gamma reinforced its commitment to continuous dedication to BEID, devotion to an equitable and open community, contextual understanding of oppression, breaking down structural barriers of oppression and cultural humility.  

The Council also endorsed a new anti-discrimination policy. The new policy acknowledges the significance and intersectionality of identity. Intersectionality is the idea that different aspects of a person's identity can lead to overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalization. The anti-discrimination policy recognizes that various identities such as ability, age, color, creed, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, native language, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, social class and veteran status are exposed to oppression. This policy is to affirm that all members of Delta Gamma, including nonbinary and trans members and anyone who identifies as a woman will be treated with dignity and respect.  

It is important to note that for Delta Gamma Fraternity, the ideas around belonging, equity and diversity are not just cultural buzzwords. These are fundamental principles that are essential for building a more just, equitable and inclusive organization. By prioritizing these principles within our Fraternity, we solidify our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment that fosters our core values of belonging and connection.