Kazzley Langlinais is one of the newest probationary members in the Delta Epsilon chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Despite Kazzley (a male-presenting individual) having all of the atributes, ideals, and motives of a Sinfonian, they are facing a barrier in initiation simply to preferred pronoun choice, i.e., they/them. The manner in which Kazzley wishes to be addressed is not a deciding factor in terms of eligibility for initiation, as dictated in Phi Mu Alpha's national bylaws. If a male-presenting person (such as Kazzley) wished to be called a name or pronoun that does not align with the outward characteristics of that individual, should we deny them entry to our fraternity?

Kazzley is currently a Music Education Major at UL. After having multiple personal conversations with them, they have told me that they wish to inspire music in kids and young adults in America, and to ultimately show them the same love that Kazzley has for music, which is one of our most great objects as a fraternity.

A study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law indicates that there are 1.4 million adults in the United States who identify as transgender, encompassing those who do not strictly adhere to the gender binary. Discrimination based on such personal decisions further ostracize such individuals while promoting a non-inclusive environment, belying the very concept of brotherhood that our fraternity stands for (Source: Williams Institute). 

Kazzley has also been in attendance of every brotherhood and fraternity event, including socials, business meetings, and music rehearsals, even when not necessary. As Kazzley's big brother, I consider them as our brother in the Delta Epsilon chapter, and when I walk around our campus, I can think of no better person to represent all of what we stand for as an orginzation, and as a fraternity.

With your signatures, this petition will be sent to our national headquarters along with a letter to show support for Kazzley's continued membership in our chapter.