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Resistance Through Praxis: Engaging Fraternity/Sorority Members in Intentional Inclusion Practices

Resistance Through Praxis: Engaging Fraternity/Sorority Members in Intentional Inclusion Practices

Samuel Morales (California State University, Fullerton, USA) and Jordan Bierbower (California State University, Fullerton, USA)
Copyright: © 2021 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-7152-1.ch019
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Abstract

Each year students attending higher education institutions, which recognize fraternity and sorority chapters, can choose to engage in the process as part of their involvement on campus. However, their participation is often reliant on chapter practices which may traditionally be rooted in exclusion. The struggle to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusivity practices within these organizations has become evident given the changing tides of our institutional climate. This chapter will address the process taken at California State University, Fullerton's Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) area to bridge the gap of developing both inclusive conversations and environments for Historically White Fraternal Organizations (HWFO) on campus. Consequently, this chapter aims to demonstrate how change and resistance to the dominant narrative can be accomplished through implementation of intentional, thought-provoking rhetoric, curriculum, and conversation to change the perspective of students and how they can act as agents of change to create inclusive environments.
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“There is no true word that is not at the same time a praxis. Thus, to speak a true word is to transform the world” -Paulo Freire (1970)

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A Keepsake

There is a beauty to storytelling, the power, vibrancy, and vivid descriptions which come from written works which paint a picture of truth for the reader to marinate and make meaning. In this chapter, the authors will share their lived experiences from upbringing to their current practices. They will focus on the creation and implementation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion program within Fraternity and Sorority Life. It is the intention these voices form a creative catalyst and positive dissonance for student affairs professionals to create or maintain an impactful practice for students in their journey of learning and development. As practitioners, historians, and theorists, we need to acknowledge the history of Fraternity and Sorority Life. When racist incidents occur from HWFOs, it is important to understand that these incidents are part of a trend that goes back decades and should not be viewed as isolated incidents (Ross, 2015). Viewing these racist incidents as isolated occurrences does not allow for the necessary work and efforts to establish comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion education in this functional area.

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