Brothers and friends,
Pi Kappa Phi’s position on diversity and inclusion is clear: the fraternity expects that all members and non-members, regardless of background, join in a respect for the individual dignity and beliefs of all, seeking always to exemplify the values of empathy, kindness, compassion and understanding. Any form of racism, bigotry or hatred whether blatant or subtle has no place in our organization.
To our Black members and friends: we see you, we hear you, and we support you. Black Lives Matter.
Pi Kappa Phi cannot, and will not, be silent as a witness to the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others before them. We must act, we must stand with our Black members and friends, and we must shoulder our full responsibility as citizens by speaking out and demanding change. This starts with us.
As an organization, Pi Kappa Phi is committed to taking the following action:
- We will create a national standing committee on diversity, equity and inclusion, including alumni, students, and industry experts, to examine the member experience; look at the broader implications of our history and practices and provide recommendations for implementation.
- We will conduct a review of our current programs to ensure contents and materials are inclusive in nature.
- We will increase awareness and develop opportunities for members to be involved in facilitated conversations and activities regarding race, diversity and inclusion on a local and national level.
- We will continue to support and empower our members to speak up and create change when they see or experience racism in their chapters and their communities.
- We will increase our diversity, equity and inclusion training for our boards and staff.
To our members who are expanding your thoughts on race and racial injustice, we applaud you and encourage you to continue to educate yourself. To our members who are leading through engagement and education in your local and campus communities, we encourage you to continue to work toward a more just world. Please reach out, share your stories and ask for support from brothers.
From 1964 to 1966, National President Mel Metcalf, Alpha Gamma (Oklahoma) traveled to every single Pi Kappa Phi chapter to engage in conversations about the importance of desegregating our chapters. His conversations and call to action were critical to the change that followed in our membership selection policies which at the time were limited to white, Christian males.
Today we have another such call. As a fraternity, we must challenge our members, our leaders and our communities to ensure Pi Kappa Phi is a place where diverse experiences and ideas can be shared; where mutual respect and greater understanding are demonstrated and we accept our responsibility in devising solutions to the painful realities of racial intolerance, which must end.
Yours in Pi Kappa Phi,
JEREMY GALVIN WILLIAM SIGMON MARK E. TIMMES
National President President-Elect CEO
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