The current constitution of Chi Phi limits the eligibility for membership to “males of the age sixteen years and upwards”. The constitution does not reference gender or define “male”. We are trying to change that: we want Chi Phi to define “male” as an inclusive concept based on self-identification regardless of the sex they were assigned at birth, rather than having specific genitals as a prerequisite to be considered a man. By doing so we hope to open the door for any male to be eligible to join Chi Phi provided that they meet all other requirements set out by the Fraternity. Being a man is not determined by one’s genitals. Instead, it is a personal concept which can have a variety of forms.

Every individual is assigned a gender at birth based on their external genitalia. A transgender person is someone who does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. In other words, they feel that when the doctor said “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!”, the doctor was wrong. Trans individuals may choose to undergo gender reassignment procedures that help them feel more comfortable with their bodies. Regardless of whether they undergo such procedures, it is one’s gender identity that matters and should be respected.

In the Spring of 2015, the Alpha-Chi chapter of Chi Phi at Ohio Wesleyan University extended a bid to a transgender man who was very happy and proud to accept it. The brothers worked with the university and the Chi Phi headquarters to make sure that this is legally possible, under University and Chi Phi by-laws. The university was completely on board with the idea and at first it seemed that the Chi Phi headquarters are too. The new member, who comes from a country which is very hostile towards LGBTQIA+ individuals, felt immensely honored to have had his identity recognized in such a way and to be a part of such an accepting, supportive group of men.

Two weeks before he was to be initiated into the brotherhood, the Chi Phi headquarters contacted the chapter to inform them that this person cannot be initiated – there had apparently been a miscommunication along the line. The bid was retracted and the reasons stated were that the person is not male according to his documents. The initial statement even referred to him as “a female student”. The Chi Phi headquarters referred to the fraternity’s constitution in justifying the retraction of the bid, even though the constitution does not define “male” and does not mention a requirement for one’s legal documents to state that the person is male.

Title IX, passed in 1972, is a fundamental article in American law which aims to ensure the equal access to educational opportunities for all sexes. It states that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation, in be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Fraternities are defined as single-sex organizations and are exempt from the Title. This means that fraternities can be inclusive to all genders, regardless of their single-sex status.

Furthermore, a number of fraternities and sororities already have inclusive membership policies. The largest national fraternity in the United States, Sigma Phi Epsilon, recently changed their constitution in order to make it gender-inclusive. Other organizations such as Delta Gamma, Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Alpha Tau, and Tau Kappa Epsilon all have gender-inclusive policies to various degrees, with the list of Fraternities and Sororities with gender-inclusive policies growing as each month passes.

We know that Chi Phi is committed to diversity and being an exemplary organization. The current Grand Alpha, Dr. Jim Soderquist, addressed that himself: “I firmly believe that it is quintessential to the future of Chi Phi that we resist complacency and the false sense of comfort that accompanies the intoxicating drug of the “status quo”. We must continue to be bold and innovative. We must continue to actively pursue the necessary steps that will ensure we remain relevant to young men, their parents, our alumni and our higher education partners.” Chi Phi is an organization that strives to provide its members with relevant support and opportunities for personal growth and leadership. Those are closely tied with demonstrating inclusive, adequate and tolerant policies.

A gender inclusive policy is not only an adequate and necessary reflection of our society; it also widens the recruitment pool. An inclusive organization which demonstrates open-mindedness and acceptance sets an example of good values for its members, gives them all the more reason to identify with their fraternity or sorority, and fosters a healthier and stronger community.