DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y AND INCLUSION ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST AND ENVISIONING OUR PATH FORWARD TOGETHER BROTHERS & FRIENDS, “I believe that the ideal chapter is made up of men … who prepare themselves diligently to shoulder their full responsibilities as citizens.” —Pi Kappa Phi Student Creed These are words we know so well. They are important words, but they ring hollow if we fail to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our fraternal experience. What we recognize and learn from our history will greatly influence our actions going forward. Since our founding in 1904, Pi Kappa Phi has strived to be a leader on our campuses and in our communities. Whether esoteric or exoteric, our call to lead runs boldly in every statement, symbol or ceremony our brothers have experienced, and it has been fervently embraced throughout our history. Answering that call is as important now as it has ever been. Last summer, in the face of rapidly changing campus environments and social unrest throughout our country, Pi Kappa Phi formed a Standing Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In that moment, we recognized a need to explore more fully where we stood as an organization, the successes and shortcomings from our past, and where we need to change to remain a leading force in the world around us. At its inception, the committee embarked on a fourphase journey.
1. History Review 2. Acknowledge our Past 3. Review and Re-imagine 4. Strategic Planning We are pleased to announce that the committee has completed the first phase. This communication completes the second phase. We know that sharing any shortcomings, most of which are already well known, will generate different responses. Some will view it as unnecessary; others will view it as not enough. We also risk overshadowing the many examples throughout our history where we have made steps forward toward becoming a more inclusive and respectful organization. But celebrating those accomplishments without acknowledging the shortcomings of our past can undermine our credibility as we continue to answer our call to lead. The acknowledgement that follows is intended purely in that context. We strive to provide transparency with pivotal moments in our past as well as the historical events that influenced our history. This set of facts is not a barrier towards our continued efforts to lead. WHAT WE LEARNED We have navigated world wars, regional conflicts, the Great Depression, the fight for civil rights, and many other pivotal moments in history. These events have influenced who we are as a brotherhood, and how we responded in those moments is a part of our history.
THE COMMITTEE’S FOUR-PHASE APPROACH PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
HISTORY REVIEW
ACKNOWLEDGE OUR PAST
REVIEW + RE-IMAGINE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Sept. 2020 to Jan. 2021
Feb. 2021 to March 2021
April 2021 to Oct. 2021
Nov. 2021 to April 2022
4 || SUM2021
PIKAPP.ORG/NEWS
