INDIANAPOLIS — Dani Weatherford, CEO of the National Panhellenic Conference, Judson Horras, CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, and Francisco M. Lugo, President of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, released the following joint statement in response to Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton’s decision to reject Harvard’s motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging its policy of inflicting sanctions on students who are members of single-sex groups:
“This ruling reaffirms the fundamental truth about Harvard’s policy: that it makes obvious distinctions based on the gender of its students. And in turn, it violates students’ rights of free association.
Our hope is that Judge Gorton’s ruling can be a catalyst for Harvard to do the right thing and repeal its discriminatory policy. Moreover, we urge them to join us in productive dialogue about creating a healthy and inclusive community with single-sex organizations at Harvard, while preserving student rights.
Our aim has been, and always will be, to protect the rights of students at Harvard and on campuses nationwide. And while we would prefer to avoid continued litigation, we believe it is unmistakably clear that Harvard’s policy is not only discriminatory and gender-stereotyping but has uniquely decimated women’s spaces and women’s organizations at Harvard. We remain confident that the facts are on the side of the students we represent.”
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National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
NPC is the umbrella organization specifically charged with advocating on behalf of the sorority experience. It is comprised of 26 national and international sororities that are autonomous social organizations. Collectively, NPC sororities are located on more than 670 campuses with approximately 400,000 undergraduate members and nearly 5 million alumnae.
About the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)
NIC is a trade association that represents 66 national and international men’s fraternities, with more than 6,100 chapters located on more than 800 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 385,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni. The NIC has introduced enhanced health and safety standards and programs, including last week’s ban of hard alcohol in fraternity houses and events.
About the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)
Established in 1998, NALFO promotes the advancement of Latino fraternities and Latina sororities. NALFO shares a commitment to fraternal unity, family values and empowering Latino and underserved communities.
