2,350
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→Highlights of 2020
In light of the revived movements against the racial injustices faced by African-American communities, our DEI committee was formed in June and has been meeting consistently in efforts to educate our members on how the Greek community has failed to welcome individuals of all backgrounds. In doing so, our own chapter has evaluated how we have contributed to these intolerances through our mere involvement in the historically racist system of Greek Life. As we move forward to create change within the greater Panhellenic community, we are encouraging open discussion surrounding race and forms of intersectional privilege among our members. Before recruitment, the Gamma Xi DEI committee led a training on inclusive recruitment practices, as well as worked with Chapter Council and Kappa Nationals to dissolve the legacy system within Gamma Xi. Beyond recruitment, the committee has continued to implement the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by planning specialized program meetings to further educate our members on the disparities in our community and the actions needing to be taken to propagate social justice movements. In addition, Gamma Xi has fundraised for organizations such as the “I Have a Dream'' foundation, which works to grant access to higher education for students in under-resourced communities. It is important to note that Gamma Xi is not only focusing its efforts to promote the importance of racial diversity, but our committee has also directed its attention towards the LGBTQIA+ identifying community and other marginalized groups. The Gamma Xi chapter is committing to changing Greek Life for the better so all individuals, no matter what race, ethnicity, sexual identity, and disability status, can find a home in Gamma Xi.
This year Gamma Xi was very excited to celebrate Kappa’s 150th anniversary. At the beginning of the Winter quarter, on February 6th, the Minnie Stuart Van stopped at the Kappa house for the day. Everyone was very excited to explore the van, which was filled with Kappa artifacts and history. Live-ins, non-Live-ins, Advisors, and Kappa alumni all stopped by to explore the van,celebrate 150 years of Kappa, and share Kappa memories. In addition to the Minnie Stuart Van,our chapter continued to celebrate 150 years of Kappa throughout the year. At Monday night meetings, members learned about Kappa’s history! Additionally, we highlighted Kappa’s150-year celebration on our Instagram page. Throughout the year, members shared their favorite Kappa memory, favorite part of Kappa, why they are thankful for Kappa, etc., on Kappa’s Instagram story. Lastly, we celebrated Kappa’s Sesquicentennial during Formal Recruitment. We connected with Gamma Xi alumni and collected photos/videos from their time in Kappa. Our Preference round video displayed the lifetime friendship Kappa provides through alumni’s photos, videos, and group testimonials.