[6305] in APO-L
Sisters
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Mirabile Dictu (John Given))
Fri May 28 15:08:59 1993
Date: Fri, 28 May 1993 14:58:19 EDT
Reply-To: "Mirabile Dictu (John Given)" <GIVEN%DICKINSN.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: "Mirabile Dictu (John Given)" <GIVEN%DICKINSN.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
I guess I should admit that I was the cause of Carmen's inquiry about
sisters. We met yesterday (thanks for a great lunch, Carmen!) and the
subject came up because my chapter is one of those rebellious groups who uses
"brothers and sisters" and has adopted the Toast Song proposed at Nationals
for the last several conferences. At the time when we voted to take this
action, I met with my (now former) Section Chair Vance Hart and he informed
me that, as far as the Toast Song is concerned, Pres. Schroeder has given
chapters permission to use non-sexist versions within the chapter, but not at
inter-chatper events. Ceremonies must be performed as written (i.e. with
words like manhood and brother), but there is some leniency with the Toast
Song. We did not directly discuss the issue of "sisters" but since the Toast
Song alternative says "Brothers clasp the hands of sisters," it would be
ridiculous to use that but not use the word "sister" in any other context. I
won't discuss the reasons behind the vote here, but I would be happy to do so
if anyone would care to know. I know there are very strong feelings on both
sides of this issue, and I try to see both sides. But, finally, I can speak
in the opinion of my chapter, and I will gladly do so, if asked.
Have a great day, everyone!
YiLFS,
John Given
President, Alpha Gamma Alpha
Dickinson College, Carlisle PA
given@dickinson.edu
