[21121] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] Open Membership
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (J.Busby)
Tue Aug 8 18:47:58 2000
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Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 17:46:15 -0500
Reply-To: "J.Busby" <jcb2181@TEXASONLINE.NET>
From: "J.Busby" <jcb2181@TEXASONLINE.NET>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
>This seems to me to be a step back towards the laundry list we used to
>have of things we don't discriminate against. As I recall, that was
>finally removed because it inherently meant we had to keep adding to it
>whenever we thought of something else we shouldn't discriminate against.
Very true words. The Laundry list was removed from the APO controlling
documents at the '92 convention in Boston. The exact reasoning for our
current language was that in the dictionary ALL means ALL, whereas a laundry
list could be "interpreted as excluding those not listed". The only
conditions, which still remain, are that the instution must have a
recogonized chapter, and that the institution recognizes the potential
member as a member of the student body.
Several people have gotten very excited over APO membership policies in
light of the BSA Supreme Court ruling, but from a National Fraternity
stand-point it is all quite unnecessary. The Open Membership policy debated
and approved in 1992 is one of the most inclusive and non-discriminatory
policies of a private organization. Furthermore, as so artfully stated by
many Brothers, the ties between APO and the BSA are not nearly as strong as
believed by many. I would describe the relationship as more of a friendly
acquaintance.
There are many more pressing issues facing the Fraternity which need the
attention of the Convention Delegates. Trying to solve a perceived
membership policy problem is not one of them. I would strongly encourage
any brothers seeking to propose legislation of this nature to sit back and
consider if the National Convention Delegates and Committees have more
pressing issues to decide upon.
The time at the convention is precious and needs to be used wisely for the
benefit of the National Fraternity and not to placate the feelings of a
small number of brothers or chapters. As a veteran of 3 conventions (2 as a
voting delegate) and a member of the reference committee which debated that
open membership policy in 1992, if more brotehrs and chapters would consider
the greater needs of the Fraternity more good things could be accomplished!
in L, F, & S
-James Busby
Region VII phantom Staff Member
Xi Delta Chapter, Texas A&M University Alum
