Feedback Summary, Nov. 22 Report on Fraternities and Sororities
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Transcript of Feedback Summary, Nov. 22 Report on Fraternities and Sororities
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7/30/2019 Feedback Summary, Nov. 22 Report on Fraternities and Sororities
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The Executive of the Alma Mater SocietyJohn Deutsch University Centre, Queens UniversityKingston, ON K7L 3N6Phone: (613) 533-3001 | Fax: (613) 533-3002
November 22nd, 2012
Dear AMS Assembly,
In recent years, the issue of fraternities and sororities at Queens, and the AMS constitutional ban, has
surfaced repeatedly. Over the past month, we have spent considerable time and energy exploring the existence
and history of fraternities and sororities1 at Queens University, the reasons for the AMS ban on dual
membership since 1934, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as
well as policy options moving forward. We have heard arguments for and against the existence of fraternities
and sororities at Queens, from students, alumni, and community members. We received over 150 responses
to a blog posted on October 18th, and although the feedback form was not intended as a survey, the opinions
shared were insightful. We have also consulted AMS and University legal counsel in order to better
understand the role and authority of both the AMS and the Universityneither of which are bound by theCharter of Rights and Freedomsin restricting individual membership in a group and restricting groups from
affiliation or resources.
Throughout this process, we have attempted to balance the information and opinions gathered with the
mandate of the Society: to serve and represent the best interests of our students. In doing so, we have been
guided by the AMS Constitution, including the Societys mission statement and operating statements. We
have included them here for your reference:
AMS MISSION STATEMENT
To serve and represent the diversity of students at Queen's.
AMS OPERATING STATEMENT
1. The AMS shall strive to be non-racist, non-sexist, non-homophobic and otherwise inclusive and
non-discriminatory;
2. The AMS and its representative shall adhere to the Queen's Code of Conduct;
3. The AMS and its representatives shall act in an accountable mannerand be accessible to all of its
membership;
4. The AMS is an equal opportunity employer.
As a Society, we are bound by the AMS mission and operating statements. As an Executive, we each strongly
support and embrace these statements, professionally and personally as Queens students and AMS members.
1The existing policy in the AMS Constitution defines a fraternity or sorority as any organization composed of students
and former students which has a secret oat, constitution, or pledge or which has a sign of identification such as a pin or
Greek letters, or which is affiliated with any organization outside of the University (Section 7.01.13).
We would like to note that it is well-known that a community-based fraternity chapter currently exists in Kingston,
comprised mostly or entirely of Queens students. It has never been our intent ion to dismiss this fact; however, it would
be short-sighted and misguided for our discussion to be based solely on one organization. The AMS constitutional ban
has been in place for nearly 80 years; the question of the place of fraternities and sororities at Queens was raised long
before us, and the outcomes of this discussion will impact generations of Queens students that come afterus.
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On a basic level, our understanding of fraternities and sororities is that they are exclusive in
membership, promote a strict gender binary, and may be elitist. In accordance with the first and third AMS
operating statements, it is our unequivocal belief that fraternities and sororities should not access AMS
resources, including space or funding, regardless of further outcomes from this discussion; permitting these
groups to do so would be a direct violation of the spirit and letter ofthe Societys mandate.
We believe that the Society, through AMS Assembly, should develop a policy on fraternities andsororities that addresses outstanding issues, beyond affiliation and access to resources. Even if the status quo
(a constitutional ban on membership) were to be reaffirmed by Assembly, the existing policy is insufficient
alone. We believe that a comprehensive policy on fraternities and sororities must address:
Whether the AMS has an on-campus ban of fraternities or sororities (a ban on accessing AMS andUniversity resources, such as space or funding)
Whether the AMS continues to hold an off-campus ban on fraternities and sororities (a ban onmembership by an AMS member in a fraternity/sorority)
A clearly outlined rationale for either, or both, of the aboveThis policy would also serve to inform whether the AMS shall pursue other avenues of condoning orcondemning fraternities and sororities, such as a representational stance on the matter to the Queens Senate.
Our understanding is that the Senates position against fraternities and sororities is still in effect, and that any
further positions by the Senate will be informed by student opinions.
The development of this policy should be informed by the information we have gathered thus far
(included in this package), and any further information requested by AMS Assembly. In this package, you will
find a legal opinion from both Michael Hickey (AMS legal counsel) and Diane Kelly (University legal
counsel). At the centre of this discussion has been the question: does the existing AMS constitutional ban on
an AMS member holding membership in a fraternity or sorority violate human rights or contravene the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms? Based on the responses from both Mr. Hickey and Ms. Kelly, it is our
interpretation that the Society, as a private entity with sufficient separation from the government, can ban dual
membership in both the AMS and an off-campus fraternity or sorority. The outstanding questions that remain
are: i) should the AMS maintain an on-campus ban on fraternities and sororities (ban on resources) and/or an
off-campus ban on dual membership in both the Society and a fraternity or sorority, and ii) how would theAMS, through the non-academic discipline system, enforce such a ban or apply sanctions.
As an Executive, each of us has thought deeply and personally about this issue over the past month.
We have heard from some individuals that fraternities and sororities may offer Queens students something
that they may not find in other campus groups. We have also been cautioned not to paint all fraternities or
sororities with the same brush, and that some groups focus on leadership development and philanthropy.
However, we have also heard from current students and alumni that an influx of fraternities and sororities maythreaten the very fabric of the community that makes our Queens experience so unique. Concerns have been
raised over the fundamental exclusionary quality of fraternities and sororities, which is predicated on a strict
gender binary. Concerns have also been raised over the potential for fraternities and sororities, which are
chapters of national or international umbrella organizations, to divert loyalties from campus clubs, athletic
teams, faculty societies, and the AMS, to organizations completely external to Queens. We have been
cautioned that the outcome of this discussion will impact generations of Queens students still to come.
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The very identity of the Queens community, and the future of our community, has been at the
heart of all opinions received thus far.
It would be nave to argue that the Queens community is inclusive, welcoming, or safe for all
students. Many students may struggle to find their place at Queens, and may face very real discrimination or
oppression. The AMS must always strive to serve and represent students who are excluded from student life at
Queens, and this is not a task that any Executive can accomplish easily, or alone.
We acknowledge that some university campuses may benefit from fraternities and sororities.
However, we believe that Queens is unique. The geography of our student housing, the vibrancy of our
student life and opportunities, the involvement of our students in University governance and decision making
all of this sets Queens apart.
It is our position that the time has arrived for AMS Assembly to develop a clear policy on fraternities
and sororities. Beginning with the AMS mission and operating statement, and extending to encompass the
host of concerns that have been raised to us, it is our firm belief that fraternities and sororities should be
precluded from accessing AMS resources. Furthermore, it is our belief that the fundamental exclusionary
nature of fraternities and sororities would facilitate more negative than positive impacts on the Queens
experience. It is our opinion that the AMS should take a strong stance against the development of such
organizations at Queens.
Notwithstanding our own strong opinions on this matter, we believe it is critical for Assembly
members to engage fully in this issue and to carefully assess whether, and how, the student body should be
consulted more broadly. It is the Assembly that governs the content of the AMS Constitution and all of the
Societys policies. As an Executive, we are committed to gathering any additional information requested by
Assembly to facilitate this process.
We are looking forward to a productive, engaged, and respectful discussion at our Assembly meeting
this Thursday. If you have comments, questions, or would like to speak further, please dont hesitate to
contact us.
Cha Gheill,
Doug Johnson Mira Dineen Tristan LeePresident & CEO Vice-President (University Affairs) Vice-President (Operations)
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] -
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Fraternities&SororitiesAtQueens:
Report for AMS Assembly on the Arguments and
Opinions Submitted to the AMS Executive
BackgroundIn the early 1930s the AMS and the University banned fraternities and sororities on campus. This ban,
which is reflected in AMS Constitution Section 7, precludes AMS members from be[ing] an active
member of any fraternity or sorority, that is, any organization composed of students and former students
which has a secret oath, constitution or pledge or which has a sign of identification such as a pin or
Greek letters, or which is affiliated with any organization outside of the University.
It has been nearly 80 years since the ban was implemented and the AMS feels that it is time for broader
consultation, to hear from students, and to have a campus-wide discussion on this issue. The Executive
has therefore solicited feedback regarding the ban and the place of fraternities or sororities at Queens
through an online form located on the AMS blog.
Statement Regarding MethodologyThe AMS Executive would like to make clear that this phase of consultation has been aimed at getting a
sense of the arguments and opinions that exist amongst alumni, the student body, and other campus
stakeholders. The Executive feels that it is important to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to
provide written, anonymous feedback regarding this issue. The process of consultation thus far has not
been intended as a poll. The information contained herein is not necessarily reflective of the views of
the AMS Executive, or any other AMS staff member.
Fraternities & Sororities: For and Against
The online feedback form generated 118 responses. 48 students identified themselves as such, 32
respondents identified themselves as alumni, and 4 respondents identified themselves as community
members. 34 respondents declined to select one of these options. This table summarizes the arguments
provided through the feedback form. It should be noted that the responses in this table address the
harms and benefits of fraternities/sororities themselves. The Other Comments/Arguments section
below includes legalistic, big picture considerations.
For Against
Fraternities/sororities can carry out philanthropic
activities, having a positive impact on thecommunity and the school.
There already exist plenty of ways to get involved
in the Queens and Kingston communities.
Fraternities/sororities can provide a place for
students without athletic ability, musical talent, or
other niche interests to bond and get involved.
There is a single, recognizable Queens identity
associated with our school spirit. To introduce
fraternities/sororities would be to splinter this
identity and damage this spirit.
With sharp rises in enrolment, faculties and
programs are becoming larger.
There is no pressing need - dont fix it if it isnt
broken.
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Fraternities&SororitiesAtQueens:
Report for AMS Assembly on the Arguments and
Opinions Submitted to the AMS Executive
Fraternities/sororities could function to create
smaller, more intimate communities.
Most modern fraternities/sororities have stronganti-hazing policies.
Fraternities/sororities foster exclusivity, socialhierarchy, and cliques.
They provide a family-like level of support for
members, both within fraternities/sororities and
between them.
Fraternities/sororities are prohibitively expensive
and will lead to social stratification and/or elitism.
The AMS and University could profit by having
fraternities/sororities pay annual dues.
Fraternities/sororities can lead to hazing practices.
Fraternities/sororities provide a unique
opportunity for inter-university and international
networking.
Fraternities/sororities can create an unsafe
environment with respect to physical/verbal abuse
and sexual assault.
Like any other group or club, fraternities/sororities
provide opportunities for meaningful participation.
Many alumni will dislike the existence of
fraternities/sororities, impacting annual giving andstudent-alumni relations.
There are proven examples of fraternities
operating in Kingston that provide a network of
support to students and engage in charitable
activities.
The AMS and other organizations provide
sufficient outlets for philanthropy and community
service.
The mere existence of fraternities/sororities
provides students with the opportunity to make
independent decisions, an important component
of becoming an adult.
Fraternities/sororities have a tendency to promote
and foster heavy drinking and/or drug abuse.
There is already a problematic drinking culture at
Queens, and this would only be exacerbated by
fraternities/sororities.
Despite the existence of numerous clubs and
organizations geared toward providing outlets for
meaningful participation, there are still students
for whom fraternities/sororities would provide the
only opportunity to bond.
The fraternity /sorority rush would interfere with
Orientation Week activities.
There are already rivalries between faculties,
residences, etc. Fraternities/sororities would add
to these in a negative way.
Based simply on the negative connotations
associated with fraternities/sororities, it would be
in the interest of the AMS and University to ban
such groups.
Fraternities/sororities are in their nature
oppressive and reinforce a binary understanding of
gender.
The rivalries that are fostered between
fraternities/sororities can lead to violence and
unhealthy competition.
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Fraternities&SororitiesAtQueens:
Report for AMS Assembly on the Arguments and
Opinions Submitted to the AMS Executive
Other Comments/Arguments
Freedom of association: Students should have a right to associate themselves with any group of theirchoosing. The AMS should not be in the business of banning our membership from participation in
certain kinds of groups.
Recognition of status quo: The existence of at least one fraternity including AMS members has already
been confirmed. Students involved in this organization should not feel persecuted.
Probationary period: The ban could be lifted for a time, during which the AMS and University could
monitor the effects of these groups, or lack thereof, on the Queens community.
Individual choice: Students make the decision to come to Queens as opposed to other Canadian
universities that allow fraternities and sororities. Students must therefore abide by the rules associatedwith their chosen institution.
Case Study: In April 1983, Princeton University lifted a decades-old ban on fraternities but reaffirmed
their opposition to these types of groups. Today, 15 unrecognized fraternities and sororities exist
including over 700 undergraduate members.
Comparative groups: A number of organizations and informal on campus already act like fraternities
by promoting a culture of excessive drinking and other destructive behaviours.
Equality of opportunity: All AMS clubs and services, while potentially restrictive in terms of numbers, are
open to any student who wishes to participate. Fraternities/sororities would function on a morearbitrary and restrictive basis.
Distinctions: There is an inherent difference between cultural and religious fraternities/sororities and
secular Greek-Letter Organizations.
AMS resources: Notwithstanding the existence, or lack thereof, of the ban itself, the AMS should
withhold resources from fraternities, including funding, space, or official recognition.