Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Tri Delta is devoted to promoting an inclusive and socially aware environment, where all members feel safe, included, represented, and heard. Our chapter is dedicated to not only discussing diversity, but wholly integrating it into everything that we do. 

 

Tri Delta was nationally founded on the belief that we should be "kind alike to all and think more of the woman's inner self and character than of her personal appearance." Our chapter works to uphold this founding motto and values the individuality of each of our sisters. We recognize the importance of speaking out against injustice and inequality around the world, in our country, and within our own community. We’re committed to facilitating and participating in these conversations, as well as continuing to educate ourselves. 

 

The Delta Lambda chapter is proud to have incorporated a Diversity and Inclusion Chair into our officer structure as of August 2019, as we recognized the necessity of this role within our house. This position aids in distributing resources and information to its members as well as actively serving as an unbiased consultant on social, cultural, and political issues. We encourage our members to continue to educate themselves on issues of social justice and have also helped to facilitate this learning process. Some topics we have had discussions and presentations on include:  implicit biases, microaggressions, inclusivity, white privilege, cultural appropriation, accessibility, systemic racism in Greek life, and the impact of socioeconomic status. 

 

In light of the civil unrest of 2020 with many protesting police brutality and racial injustice, we recognized our capacity to help. Our chapter organized a fundraiser and was able to raise $2,400 to support systemic change in our society. This money was divided evenly between Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc. and The Bail Project, $1,200 to each organization.

 

As an organization, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage our members to continue to act bravely, boldly, and kindly always, constantly growing and uplifting one another in the face of injustice around us. 

 

Land Acknowledgement

Following Butler University’s lead, Tri Delta acknowledges the following. We acknowledge that we gather here at Butler University on the traditional land of Indigenous peoples including the Potawatomi, Miami, Delaware, and Shawnee people. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the indigenous peoples past and present who have stewarded it throughout the generations. This calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit, while also acknowledging that some were brought to this land not by choice. We are dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives, improving community relationships, correcting the narrative, and making our campus a more supportive and inclusive place for Native and Indigenous students, faculty, & staff.

 

 

Policies and Action Steps Implemented November 2020

DEI Instagram : @butler_ddd_deia

In February 2021, Delta Lambda established a DEI Instagram page separate from the chapter’s
main account in order to share and discuss a wider variety of DEI-related topics. The account is
run by the DDEI along with the DEI committee and collaborates with other organizations on
campus to create campaigns that highlight the voices of Butler’s diverse community of students.

Non-discrimination Policy

Delta Lambda has zero-tolerance for racism, which includes but is not limited to racial slurs, microaggressions, racist actions, hate speech, and tokenizing of members. It is unacceptable for any member to be singled out on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexuality, or gender. 

 

DEI Committee

Our chapter has had a Diversity and Inclusion Chair since May 2019, and as of January 2021 this position has expanded to the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DDEI). We recognize that effective DEI work requires many unique perspectives, so we have also implemented a DEI Committee to work directly with the DDEI. This Committee will serve to educate the chapter, hold members accountable, and create a more equitable and inclusive environment within our chapter.

 

DEI Event Requirement

As of January 2021, all members of Delta Lambda are required to attend one DEI event per semester. This will encourage members to more actively engage and participate in discussions of social justice. It is our goal to promote learning and growth within our chapter, creating a more social aware environment. 

 

Transgender Member Policy

Those who live and identify as women may be considered for membership in Tri Delta. In keeping with our national policy, Delta Lambda recognizes that trans women are women and therefore are eligible for membership into our sisterhood. 

Delta Lambda also pledges to respect the preferred pronouns of one another within our chapter and community. 

Legacy Policy Update

Delta Lambda recognizes that Greek life has been historically exclusive and has served to discriminate against many marginalized groups. We recognize that systemic racism in Greek life is a long standing issue and that practices such as legacy policies do not promote diversity, equity, or inclusion. Delta Lambda will not grant potential new members preferential treatment based on legacy status, but rather will consider the quality of each potential new member’s character when making membership decisions.