A Letter From Chapter Council
June 19, 2020
The Beta Xi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma aspires to live up to the principles of integrity, respect, and regard for others. The events of the past few weeks have allowed us all the opportunity to reflect on the ways in which these principles can be improved and made into action within our organization. We are grateful that our members have held us accountable. As a chapter, we are committed to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and the movement toward anti-racism in any way we can, and that begins with action today.
Kappa Kappa Gamma condemns those who perpetuate hate, bigotry, and violence, and we are determined to actively fight racism, discrimination, and social injustice. We acknowledge our role in contributing to discrimination and racism in the past, and moving forward we will work towards ending systemic and microagressions of racism within our chapter.
Our members agree that words are not enough to affect change. Following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others, the Beta Xi chapter is enacting the following steps to contribute to the progress needed in this area. We know that there will always be more work to impart lasting change. We will continue to listen to our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) membership, counsel with expert voices on anti-racism, learn how to be effective allies for BIPOC communities, and build on our existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices until our work reflects our mission: an organization that unites women to learn, grow and inspire positive change throughout their lives. In addition to the actions laid out in our Fraternity Council statement, Beta Xi is committed to: https://www.kappakappagamma.org/Kappa/MediaFraternity.aspx?pageid=3633&id=6369
Action Steps:
1. Donate
Over the past week, the Beta Xi chapter members internally raised funds to be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustices, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable and underserved people in American society. Going forward, our chapter will make annual donations to organizations that support social justice and BIPOC.
2. Educate
The Beta Xi chapter will commit itself to gain knowledge regarding topics of race, biases, and bigotry. We will begin by organizing a summer reading group dedicated to anti-racist texts. We will continue to introduce new, relevant material to our members throughout the collegiate years.
3. Adapt Internal Processes
As a chapter, we will continue to discuss how to act against racism, bigotry, and cultural appropriation more diligently and more frequently; we plan to have educational modules on these topics presented every week during our chapter meetings. We will have an officer and committee dedicated to diversity and inclusion practices present in all discussions regarding chapter operations and recruitment processes. We are working on a plan to make recruitment a more inclusive and anti-racist space for all Potential New Members. We have zero-tolerance for any member who perpetrates racist and discriminatory behavior.
Loyally,
Beta Xi 2020 Chapter Council