NATURE OF THE WORK

The sensitivities that come with such subjects are of course well known. There's a natural skepticism of actions designed just for political correctness.

That's why Commission members quickly rejected quotas and checklists that simply pursue compliance over authentic conviction and empathy. Ohio State Vice President for Student Life Dr. Melissa Shivers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., said it best early on in the proceedings: “This is about the heart. Connect Betas’ hearts with their minds and the rest of the work will take care of itself.” Undergraduate Commissioner Ian Ross, Michigan ’21, echoed, “This is as much about the intangibles as it is the tangibles.”

Prior to the commission's first meeting, the Fraternity created an open survey that invited feedback on how Beta could improve. Resulting in hundreds of observations, criticisms and ideas, submissions formed the basis for the commission's most difficult task: establishing a framework that focuses the Fraternity's attention. 

Leading to a model that prioritizes Language, Voices and Education, Lowry reminded commissioners that language and policies reflect an organization’s values and culture. And that culture is what fosters understanding of one another – understanding that warms hearts and melts away boundaries of tribalism. As the Beta Ritual prescribes, “Get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding.” 

And, since an organization is only as healthy as its environment, Beta must view this whole matter through two lenses: the environment its chapters are creating internally and, outwardly, Beta's contribution to the world of which it is a part. 

The commission’s top recommendation called upon the Trustees to make a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion via a standing committee – not an ad hoc body that evaporates as quickly as it came. One additional issue was identified as a real headwind if Beta seeks long-term relevancy on campus: affordability. 

Consulted on the inclusivity topic given his prosecution of Ku Klux Klan members as U.S. Attorney, U.S. Senator and former District Chief Doug Jones, Alabama ’76, sustained the affordability concern during a special session with the commission. Believing Beta must defy the financial trajectory that is pushing the experience out of reach for so many, he shared with conviction: "We don't want 'Men of Principle' to simply become 'Men of Privilege.'"

THE ROAD FORWARD

In what was a Herculean effort to meet the Trustees’ 60-day charge, Beta’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion met the challenge asked of it: a framework for improvement that is rooted in serious reflection and humility. Simply the start of an effort that requires a commitment over the long haul, on August 12 the Trustees unanimously adopted the recommendations and, to make sure the cause isn't a side project, have woven it into the Fraternity's strategic plan. A body coined "Commission 2.0" has already started working on tactics via three sub-committees.

Aimed at inculcating a culture that is instinctively inclusive, expresses a genuine respect for difference and, above all, fosters a brotherhood that welcomes men from all walks of life, Beta is getting its arms around a new call of the times. As Chairman Lowry opined, “This isn’t about change. It’s about growth. Beta Theta Pi isn’t coming from a state of depravity. It can simply be better."