Greek News

A trans student at Trinity University in Texas will rush the Texas Zeta Chi sorority. Here’s the letter Dean of Students David M. Tuttle released regarding the rush:

Dear Greek Council Leaders,

The Zeta Chi sorority has determined that it would welcome a male student, who self-identifies as transgender, to rush their organization. The group -- and the student, Kwame -- are clear that he may or may not be extended a bid offer. Fraternities and sororities consider all dimensions of potential members and have every right to consider exceptions to their single-sex status. This student's overall identity, character, and personality - which includes being transgender - will be considered in the selection process. All students are invited into fraternities and sororities based on their wholeness as people. It will work the same in this situation. The University has watched this situation with interest and stayed out of it, other than to offer counsel and support through CCI staff members. Those staff members have researched how this is handled elsewhere and implications for Trinity and its students and groups. We would have supported any decision by Zeta Chi. Under the leadership of President Sarah, the group has undergone thoughtful consideration of the group's values, the feelings of its members, and the opinions of alumni. As with last year's diploma debate, the students learn from the educational process of weighing information and reaching well-considered and articulated decisions. Such issues aren't theoretical, but also personal and emotional. What terrific preparation for life after college!

Zeta Chi has made its identity distinctive for embracing all students, regardless of sexual identity. This may be why this is the first group to grapple with these complex issues related to transgender identity. In my experience, our students and fraternities and sororities have a strong record of welcoming students of different backgrounds. I urge all Greek organizations to follow the lead of Zeta Chi in discussing such issues. I hope all members of fraternities and sororities join the administration in supporting the women of Zeta Chi and all students of less common backgrounds.

(Kwame and Sarah have reviewed and approved this message.)
Mr. David M. Tuttle Interim Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students - Trinity University