Liaison Highlight
National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA)
Melissa Montenegro, NAPA Executive Chair
March 2009
Riding on a wave of energy and encouragement from the 2008 AFA Annual Meeting, the
National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) has opened the new year with optimism and ambition. Only three months into 2009, NAPA member organizations have not only been engaging in dialogue to develop the umbrella organization but also have been taking action to ensure that historically Asian American and Pacific Islander Greek-lettered organizations “reach their peak performance” and secure a spot in the fraternal movement.
On February 8, 2009 NAPA passed two resolutions.
The Anti-Hazing Resolution stemmed from recent high profile hazing cases within the APIA fraternal community. Recognizing the need to address hazing, NAPA member organizations dedicated two of its monthly conference calls to discussions on hazing and approved the following resolution:
The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association – NAPA
Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities
The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association states its position, in support of constructive educational and inspirational programs and has asserted unequivocally its opposition to hazing and pre-initiation activities which do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of new members, associates and active members.
Because hazing and other pseudo-initiation practices have not been rejected and eradicated completely in undergraduate activities and therefore remain a menace to the well-being of the College Fraternity System, the National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association affirms its position on this question.
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The Association believes that true fraternalism is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, and loyalty to the principles of higher education.
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The Association further believes that while social behavior cannot be legislated, a fraternity/sorority without morally sound precepts and practices is not a constructive influence upon college students.
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The Association further believes that a fraternity/sorority has a solemn obligation in the development of its new members, associates and active members and that this responsibility extends alike to the institutions where it is represented; to parents and others who make possible the education of its new members/associates and active members; to the communities where chapters are accountable for good citizenship; and to the college fraternity system of which it is a part.
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The Association further believes that while much progress has been made, one of the most damaging instruments to the fraternity system is the employment of a program of education which includes hazing, and that this unproductive, ridiculous and hazardous custom has no rightful place in the fraternity/sorority system.
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The Association defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, or any other such activities; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.
NAPA members also shared their frustrations with one another as many of our organizations have met resistance when attempting to expand their organizations to new campuses. Unfortunately, recognition on new campuses as Greek-lettered organizations has proven to be a challenge for NAPA members, and this challenge led to the passage of Statement of Position on Campus Recognition:
The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association - NAPA
Statement of Position on Campus Recognition
The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association, recognizing the importance of recognition or other endorsement which provides all rights and privileges bestowed to students and student organizations by host institutions, and further recognizing the importance of accepting all fraternal chapters into membership in local councils as student fraternal organizations, with all rights and privileges, applauds those institutions and councils which provide such recognition and membership on a free and open basis.
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The Association recognizes the obligation of colleges and universities to create a positive student life atmosphere. Furthermore, the Association recognizes that the overwhelming majority of institutions of higher education believe that fraternities/sororities are integral components in the creation of a positive student life atmosphere.
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The Association believes that the best way to create a positive student life atmosphere is through the recognition that all persons have the right to freely associate with each other and with organizations on such terms and conditions as they may choose in the exercise of their judgment.
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The Association further believes that this position is grounded in the historic American freedom of association and speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and reaffirmed in exemptions from Title IX by the Educational Amendments of 1972 as it applies to fraternal organizations.
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The Association further believes that it is unfair and biased for an institution to express that they can only have so many like historical cultural groups on a campus. This would seem to violate the principals of being inclusive and creating diversity on a college campus.
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The Association acknowledges that colleges and universities have the right to establish fair and reasonable rules and regulations, applicable to all student organizations to receive and maintain recognition. The Association believes that colleges and universities do not have the right to infringe on any organization's right to recruit members at any time or on students' rights to associate with an organization, if so selected by the organization - or to establish any other standards or regulations, which go beyond those applicable to all students and student organizations.
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The Association will be supportive of the expansion of NAPA member organizations onto colleges and universities, provided that the member organization attempting to expand meets the requirements set forth by the university administration and follows procedures set forth by the university.
The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association, therefore, states its support for the rights of students to assemble into or to associate with fraternal and other student organizations, free from restriction in that decision by anyone, and to that end the Association fully supports the notion that all rights and privileges should be granted to such students and their organizations as provided by the host institution and the local councils.
The passage of these two resolutions on February 8, 2009 marked a milestone within NAPA as we pledge our support to one another and forge positive relationships with campus personnel by maintaining open lines of communication between our undergraduate chapters, national bodies, and Greek Life/Student Life offices.
NAPA is proud to partner with the National Panhellenic Council in support of the 2009 International Badge Day: Keep Your Fraternal Experience Close to Your Heart. On March 2, 2009, NAPA members wore their organizational badges as an outward sign of their commitment to the shared fraternal experience.
NAPA is excited about the release of the NAPA Resource Guide, which will provide advisors with the information that they need to begin familiarizing themselves with the rich traditions and histories of NAPA member organizations.
Indeed, the relationships that NAPA has made and preserved with organizations outside of its own member organizations have proven to be beneficial. We are particularly grateful for the support that we have received from AFA. NAPA was proud to participate in the Association’s
Virtual Seminar: Fraternal Organizations: What Advisors Need to Know About Emerging Fraternities and Sororities which allowed representatives from culturally-based Greek-lettered organizations to share relevant information about their organizations that can enhance the relationships between undergraduate chapters, organizations’ governing bodies and administrators. We are eager to continue this ongoing dialogue on an inclusive fraternal movement and are committed to maintaining open lines of communication between all fraternal partners who share in a vision of inclusion within our community.
We look forward to continuing this partnership with AFA and are encouraged by the efforts that are being made to include culturally-based fraternities and sororities in the mainstream fraternal community.