News

Here's our plan

Jun 11, 2020 | Categories: Blog

Dear Sisters,

It’s difficult to fully capture the hardships the world has faced in 2020 so far. Starting with the historic pandemic and its impact on higher education and the economy, to the fight for racial justice, Theta Phi Alpha continues to find ways to improve as a sisterhood to ensure that we are supporting our members, living our values, and fulfilling our mission.


With the tragic murder of George Floyd and the countless other Black lives lost before him, the subsequent protests, and the discussions with our own sisters that have followed, it is clear that Theta Phi Alpha has significant work to do in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In particular, we have to prioritize combating racism and collectively commit to make improvements to our organization for the benefit of our members and our communities.

 To support this progress, Theta Phi Alpha commits to:

  • Integrating DEI programming into our educational model beginning in the 2020-21 academic year and ensure that this training is provided at all regional and national events
  • Improving recruitment of Black members and other women of color for membership
  • Improving the exposure of Black members and other women of color to leadership positions at all levels
  • Committing to adding DEI initiatives to Theta Phi Alpha’s long-term strategic plan
  • Working to more fully understand the demographics of our organization so that our leadership is diverse and inclusive
  • Compiling a list of educational resources on anti-racism, as well as resources to help sisters who have been the target of racist acts.  
  • Dedicating resources to ongoing DEI development and training of our members at all levels of involvement
  • Reviewing all policies, protocols and procedures to ensure that they are free of discriminatory language and practices

To support the fight for racial justice more broadly, donations have also been made on behalf of Theta Phi Alpha to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. Most importantly, we pledge to listen carefully to each other, and to our fellow Black sisters in particular because we firmly believe that Black lives matter to our sisterhood and our society as a whole. Our nation and our Theta Phi sisters are angry, frustrated, sad and hurting. 

We are incredibly grateful for the sisters who have taken time, and expended emotional energy to have difficult conversations with us to hold us accountable and push us toward much-needed action. We look forward to continued conversations and a more equitable sorority experience for all of our members. If you have feedback, suggestions, or want to be a part of this important work, please contact us at your earliest convenience.


Yours in the bonds of sisterhood,

Tracey Liphardt
Theta Phi Alpha National President
 

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