As we celebrated the 39th Anniversary of the Founding of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., we were reminded that honoring our legacy means not only reflecting on it—but actively living it every day.

This past month, our honorary sister, Dolores Huerta, shared a deeply personal story—one that reminds us of the strength, resilience, and courage that define true leadership and advocacy. In recognition of National Volunteer Month and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we invite you to turn reflection into action.

Introducing: “96 for 96”
In honor of Dolores Huerta’s 96th birthday on April 10, we are launching the “96 for 96”  initiative. This initiative invites our sisters to reflect and take action on sexual assault in their communities. We encourage sisters to consider how their events can be purposeful, impactful, and rooted in sisterhood.

YOUR CALL TO ACTION:
Commit to 96 minutes of service or reflection on sexual assault and other forms of gendered violence at any point during the month of April.

This can look like:
• Volunteering with a local organization such as a women’s shelter
• Supporting survivors through advocacy or education
• Hosting or attending a meaningful conversation about consent or related topics
• Journaling, reflecting, or learning more about issues impacting our communities
• Serving alongside sisters, whether through your chapter or connecting locally with alumnae

No matter how you choose to participate, your time and intention matter.

Why It Matters

Our organizational motto is Leading with Integrity, United through Service. The “96 for 96” initiative demonstrates our commitment to living this motto and our values. Participation uplifts others while honoring Dolores Huerta’s lifetime dedication to justice and empowerment.  

Take it a Step Further
We encourage sisters who are financially able to donate $9.60 or $96 to the Dolores Huerta Foundation. The Foundation champions the rights of underrepresented populations through grassroots organizing, civic engagement, youth programming, and more. Information about the foundation can be found at doloreshuerta.org 

Share Your Impact
We want to celebrate your efforts and amplify your voice!
Post your participation, tag @kdchi, and your regional profile.

Use the hashtags:
#LeadLikeDolores #KDChi96for96

Let’s show the power of our sisterhood in action—through service, through reflection, and through intentional impact.

Need Ideas?
We’ve included resources below to help you and your chapter plan meaningful ways to participate.

• 96 for 96 Volunteer Ideas
• 96 for 96 Reflection Circle Guide

Together, let’s honor Dolores Huerta.
Together, let’s lead with purpose.
Together, let’s serve.

With love and sisterhood,

2025-2027 National Administrative Council (NAC) Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | (insert your email) Leading with Integrity United through Service  _______________________________________________ National Website | Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

The countdown is ON! Our 39th Anniversary of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. is almost here, and we’re inviting YOU to help us celebrate in a big, bold, and unforgettable way as we lead up to April 6, 2026!

If you haven’t seen it on social yet—this is your official call to action:
Join our Founding Week Social Media Challenge and show the world the power, pride, and passion of our sisterhood!

A special shoutout to our Marketing Officer, Julia, for bringing this year’s vision to life with fun, meaningful daily themes 

HERE’S HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Post, engage, and tag us daily! Don’t forget—we’ll also be sharing interactive Instagram Stories, so be ready to click, share, and connect. Chapters, alumnae, and sisters everywhere—this is YOUR moment!

FOUNDING WEEK THEMES:

April 1: Why KDChi Wednesday
Tell us WHY you joined KDChi. Share your story, your memories, your heart.
#WhyKDChi

April 2: Throwback Thursday
Take us back! Share photos from when you joined or your early KDChi days.
#TBTKDChi

April 3: This or That Friday
Rep your KDChi pride! Show off your favorite merch or gear.
#KDChiMerch

April 4: Service Saturday
Highlight a service project that impacted you—recent or from years past.
#KDChiServes

April 5: Sisterhood Sunday
How do you stay connected? Show us how sisterhood lives on in your life.
#KDChiSisterhood

April 6: FOUNDING DAY
Celebrate 39 YEARS your way! Go all out and show your KDChi pride.
#KDChi39

Use hashtags #KDChi39 and #KappaDeltaChi on all your posts so we can celebrate and amplify your stories!

BONUS: GIVE BACK & MAKE AN IMPACT
The Emerald Foundation is hosting its annual Founding Day fundraiser, and we challenge YOU to be part of it! Their goal: 39 donors giving at least $19.87 in honor of our founding year. DONATE NOW

Your donation supports:
• Book scholarships
• Penguins Helping Penguins Grant
• Additional scholarship opportunities

Every dollar counts. Every sister matters. 

Let’s flood our feeds with pride, memories, and sisterhood. Let’s show what 39 years of KDChi truly looks like. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

With love and sisterhood,

Stephanie Sierra Vice President of Public Affairs Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | publicaffairs@kappadeltachi.org Leading with Integrity United through Service Communication | Includer | Achiever | Learner | Positivity   _______________________________________________ National Website | Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dear sxsters:

Our hearts break over and over again for our sxster, Dolores Huerta, and the women of the Latine civil rights movement. After years of investigation, journalists Manny Hernandez and Sarah Hurtes of The New York Times released a report that César Chávez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, groomed and sexually abused young girls and berated the women of the movement, frequently taking credit for their work. Our sxster admitted to being raped by César Chávez, having two of his children, and holding on to this secret for sixty years.

These findings are unbelievably believable. On one hand, to have to swallow this much pain for the movement to survive is devastating. We cannot fathom this kind of sacrifice. Dolores, on behalf of our sisterhood, we thank you for sharing your truth, we thank you for your remarkable strength, and we wish you wouldn’t have had to have it. We are sorry that justice failed you then. We are hopeful that your storytelling will contribute to your—and our collective—healing now.

On the other hand, we imagine that so many of us know what it is like to be silenced. We likely know what it is like to receive unwanted sexual advances. We likely know what it is like for our intelligence and contributions to be undermined or discarded altogether. We likely know what it is like to sacrifice ourselves completely for the so-called greater good.

To honor our Sxster Dolores Huerta, we invite our members to use this moment as a reckoning. The movements that were created for us still have the potential to abuse us. We must continue to interrogate the stories we are told and the systems we are a part of. We have a responsibility to appraise our own complicity in, and proximity to, systems of power and oppression. Who do we keep relationships with, and why do we protect these relationships? In what organizations and communities are we involved, and in what ways are they contributing to good? In what ways have we abused power? In what ways do we need to heal?

In this email, we offer resources for continued learning and potential opportunities for engagement. May we all do our part to uplift and protect womxn and survivors.

In sxsterhood,

The National Administrative Council

—

RESOURCES

Immediate Support for Survivors

• RAINN
  • Help & Healing Hotline
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
  • Provides resources and tools for survivors and their loved ones and advocates against sexual violence.
  • Has a national database of sexual violence organizations, searchable by state and territory.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE 
  • A confidential, 24/7 resource in the United States providing support, information, and safety planning for people affected by domestic violence. 
  • A lifeline for survivors, concerned friends and family, and professionals seeking guidance on abuse prevention and response.
  • Relevant for overlapping forms of abuse.

Education & Awareness

• CDC Sexual Violence Data 
• WHO Global Statistics Regarding Violence Against Women
• End Rape on Campus
  • Provides educational resources on policy and reform regarding sexual violence in U.S. higher education.

Cultural & Community-Based 

• Esperanza United
  • Latina-founded and -led, mobilizing Latinas and Latine communities to end gender-based violence.
  • Focuses on training, technical assistance, research, and policy advocacy across the United States and, in some projects, Latin America.

ACTION ITEMS

• Individual-Level Actions
  • Learn the signs of sexual violence and coercion.
  • Believe survivors first.
  • Interrupt harmful language or jokes in your spaces.
  • Report instances of violence to your campus’ Title XI office or human resources.
  • Share resources in your networks (GroupMe, IG, Facebook groups, etc.).
• Chapter-Level Actions
  • Host a “Courageous Conversations” circle. Topics can include abusive power dynamics, silence in movements, and supporting survivors in our communities.
  • Partner with local domestic violence shelters and campus Title IX offices to have events on consent education, bystander intervention, and workplace harassment.
  • Volunteer at women’s and crisis centers.
  • Create care kits to distribute. Reach out to women’s and crisis centers first to determine high-need products.
  • Host fundraisers benefitting organizations supporting survivors.
  • Host professional development workshops on navigating harassment in the workplace, setting boundaries in leadership roles, and ethical leadership and accountability.
  • Encourage loved ones to support survivor protection legislation and advocate for workplace protections.

The beginning of 2026 has been rife with political events that many people have found concerning, alarming, or depressing. Sisters have shared their desire for a statement from the NAC or NC. We have weighed the options and decided upon internal guidance, rather than an externally facing statement for a number of reasons.

 

As a national organization, we have experienced the threats that schools have leveled against outspoken student groups. Universities have gone as far as threatening to revoke DACA statuses of members. Given this environment, we will not be putting out a national statement of any kind. We cannot support a national statement that would put some of our sisters in more danger but will continue to support you in putting out chapter statements.

 

Statements have a multi-step approval process to ensure everyone expresses themselves as well as possible. The chapter must vote, and the statement must receive ¾ in favor to pass. The statement is then submitted to the National President, Vice President of Standards, Vice President of Public Affairs, and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for review. We will provide feedback and guide you toward posting and sharing your statement.   

 

However, statements have limited value. They often end up as virtue signaling, without concrete action to back them up. We encourage our sisters to act on their values and on the issues that matter to them. We are role modeling that process right now; this email is the statement, and we will be holding training to better support you as our action. I am hosting two sessions of training around KDChi and Advocacy. Those trainings will be held (tomorrow) February 12th at 2:30 pm Central and February 25th at 6:00 pm Central. These trainings are open to all active collegiate and alumnae members, and you can register by clicking on the time you prefer. We will cover the process of getting a chapter statement approved, the political action policy, and how to plan cultural and service events that respond to issues of concern. If neither of the available times work for you or your chapter, I am willing to schedule additional times for at least five sisters. Email me at diversity@kappadeltachi.org to get that process started.

 

KDChi will continue to use our Instagram to share informative materials such as Know Your Rights and Call Your Representative. I am working with the Public Affairs division to update and circulate a Know Your Rights: Protests graphic. We encourage chapters to share similar materials as they see fit. 

We are here to serve you, but we are also here to keep you safe. Please let us know if you need any further guidance. 

In sisterhood, 

Pallas Gutierrez Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | diversity@kappadeltachi.org Leading with Integrity United through Service

We are excited to announce the opening of the 2026 Proposal Review Process!

From January 19, 2026 through April 16, 2026, all Active members will have access to review proposals, participate in discussion, and plan their votes.

Member Voting Instructions

Collegiate Members: Please follow the guidelines and communication provided by the Vice President of Collegiate Affairs regarding how your chapter will document and submit votes.

Alumnae Members: A GreekTrack form will be available for vote submission. Your Regional Representative will be able to review your votes and use them to represent your region at the National Assembly.

Voting forms will open on February 2, 2026 and close on April 1, 2026, allowing your representatives time to review and prepare for Assembly.

The National Assembly is scheduled for April 17–19, 2026.

Notice of passed/failed proposals will be released on June 1, 2026.

Understanding the Spreadsheet

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee (CBC) is made up of 10 individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds and membership classes. We carefully reviewed more than 300 proposals and were intentional about documenting our discussions. Key points from those conversations are reflected in our voting recommendations.

Please note: CBC votes are recommendations only and do not need to be followed. As a diverse committee, we considered the current priorities and overall impact of proposals, as well as the future direction of the organization. We welcome you all to consider our approaches while also discussing your chapters and region wants and needs.

What “FA” Means

FA stands for Friendly Amendment. During the National Assembly, friendly amendments may be offered to strengthen the organization, improve outcomes, or clarify proposal wording. With nearly 270 proposals, CBC offered Friendly Amendments in advance and shared them with authors, who had the option to accept or deny.

• If an FA was accepted, the proposal listed in the spreadsheet reflects the most updated version, with the FA already included.
• If an FA was denied, the proposal remains as originally written, and the committee’s recommended FA (with explanation) is provided for review.
• You may also see partial accept/decline outcomes. Accepted changes are already reflected in the spreadsheet, and denied portions are included in the explanation section.

Voting Options

• Pass — You/your chapter accept the proposal as written.
• Pass with FA — You/your chapter accept the proposal with the proposed Friendly Amendments.
• Fail — You/your chapter do not accept the proposal, with or without FAs.

Recommendations for Reviewing and Voting

The second tab of the spreadsheet includes “Batches,” proposals grouped by subject matter. We strongly recommend reviewing proposals by batch before moving on, as this will help keep discussions focused and consistent across common themes.

Thank you all for your time, engagement, and commitment to the work of our organization. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions to, standards@kappadeltachi.org.

With appreciation, 

Melissa Bustamante Vice President of Standards Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | standards@kappadeltachi.org Leading with Integrity United through Service

We are excited to announce that registration is officially open for ALL 2026 Regional Alumnae Weekends! Join us for a weekend filled with sisterhood, celebration, and connection as we come together to honor our shared legacy. Please see the weekends, dates, and registration costs for each region below:

Region	Location	Dates	Registration
North Pacific	Seattle, WA	April 3-5	$165
Midwest	Madison, WI	April 10-12	$100
South Pacific	Los Angeles, CA	April 17-19	$100
Central	Eureka Springs, AK	April 24-26	$225
South Central	Houston, TX	May 1-3	$160
South Atlantic	Atlanta, GA	May 22-24	$170
Southwest	El Paso, TX	June 5-7	$150
North Atlantic	Boston, MA	June 5-7	$150

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with sisters, make new memories, and celebrate our bond. Secure your spot today by registering by clicking the button below:

2026 Regional Alumnae Weekend Registration

Registration will be open until February 23, 2026 so sign up soon! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your respective ARD:

• North Pacific ARD: Marta Swartz, NorthPacificARD@kappadeltachi.org
• Midwest ARD: Selena Martinez, MidwestARD@kappadeltachi.org
• South Pacific ARD: Nancy Gomez, SouthPacificARD@kappadeltachi.org
• Central ARD: Janet "Flaka" Martinez, CentralARD@kappadeltachi.org
• South Central ARD: Ashley Martinez, SouthCentralARD@kappadeltachi.org
• South Atlantic ARD: Kenya Rabadan, SouthAtlanticARD@kappadeltachi.org
• Southwest ARD: Felicia Adams Fernandez, SouthwestARD@kappadeltachi.org
• North Atlantic ARD: Jeni Rainey, NorthAtlanticARD@kappadeltachi.org

We can’t wait to see you there!

In Sisterhood,

Micho Carbo Vice President of Alumnae Affairs Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | alumnaeaffairs@kappadeltachi.org Leading with Integrity United through Service

We are excited to share the Fall 2025 edition of The Emerald — the official national newsletter of Kappa Delta Chi! The Emerald keeps us connected with inspiring stories, important updates, and highlights from across our KDChi sisterhood.

What’s Inside This Issue
This Fall edition brings you:

•  Spotlights on Sister Achievements – Celebrate amazing accomplishments from both collegiate and alumnae members.

•  Chapter Highlights – Read about the impactful service, leadership, and events happening across the nation.

•  National Updates – Catch up with the latest news from National Cabinet initiatives and priorities.

•  Milestones & Recognitions – Recognize sisters who are graduating and welcoming new sisters to the sisterhood.

• & much more!

How to Access
Use the code KDXEmeraldF25! to unlock full access to the Fall 2025 edition.

Click below to view now:
 View The Emerald – Fall 2025 Edition

We hope this edition inspires you and keeps you proud of the work we are doing together as KDChi sisters. 

Let us know if you have stories, announcements, or updates you’d like featured in an upcoming issue!

In sisterhood, 

Stephanie Sierra Vice President of Public Affairs Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | publicaffairs@kappadeltachi.org Leading with Integrity United through Service Communication | Includer | Achiever | Learner | Positivity

We are excited to officially share the destination and dates for our next biannual National Alumnae Association (NAA) Getaway! 

• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• November 13–15, 2026
• Theme: KDChi Con Corazón

After gathering alumnae input from across the nation, we are thrilled to announce that our 2026 NAA Getaway will take us to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico for a weekend centered on sisterhood, service, and cultural connection.

The NAA Getaway is open to all alumnae, regardless of active status, and is designed to create space for meaningful bonding, shared experiences, and lifelong memories across regions and generations.

At this time, we invite you to save the date and begin dreaming with us. Additional details — including registration information, lodging options, and a full itinerary — will be shared in phases as we move closer to 2026.

What to expect:

• A thoughtfully curated weekend experience

• A signature cultural activity in San Juan

• Opportunities for service and connection

• Flexible travel and lodging options to keep the Getaway accessible

Please be sure to follow our National social media channels and keep an eye out on your email for upcoming highlights, travel inspiration, and future announcements as we count down to Puerto Rico.

We can’t wait to experience this Getaway con corazón with you. 

In sisterhood,

Micho Carbo Vice President of Alumnae Affairs Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. | alumnaeaffairs@kappadeltachi.org Leading with Integrity United through Service

 

Dear Sxsters of Kappa Delta Chi,

A few days ago, members of Politico’s staff leaked a draft of an initial majority opinion*, written by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, that would overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling passed nearly 50 years ago that protects a person’s right to an abortion without excessive government restriction. Should Roe v. Wade be overturned, laws in over 20 states could immediately restrict or outright ban abortion**.

News of this has already shaken communities, as low-income and communities of color stand to most suffer if and when Roe v. Wade is overturned. As such, we in the National Cabinet felt compelled to communicate our support and concern, as this ruling directly impacts many of our members. First and foremost, we believe in autonomy over one’s body and the full right to make decisions that impact one’s health and welfare. Your safety and well-being is our utmost priority.

We want to validate the range of emotions you may be experiencing right now. As you move through these emotions, we want to encourage you to learn about your rights, have access to resources you may need, and be moved to give back and take action.

Learn More

Jessica Ravitz of CNN briefly chronicled the history of abortion policy in the United States. We encourage all members to read up on this history. Context matters, as these policies rarely happen in a vacuum and are typically motivated by actors seeking power and influence.

https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/23/health/abortion-history-in-united-states/index.html

If you would prefer to watch a documentary instead, Reversing Roe is available via Netflix. Through interviews with community leaders that both support and oppose abortion access, you can learn more about the 50-year historical trajectory of Roe v. Wade and abortion policy in the United States.

https://www.netflix.com/title/80192834

Jaclyn Diaz and colleagues at NPR addressed a few misconceptions and incomplete narratives in this article entitled “7 Persistent Claims About Abortion, Fact-Checked.” As leaders, we must always be willing to expand our opinions and think deeper about where they come from and why they exist.

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/06/1096676197/7-persistent-claims-about-abortion-fact-checked

Healthcare Resources

The Center for Reproductive Rights’s “What if Roe fell?” tool examines several legal factors— including laws, constitutions, and court decisions on abortion—and assigns each state, territory, and the District of Columbia to one of four categories: Expanded Access, Protected, Not Protected, and Hostile. Please use this interactive tool to find out more about where you live.

https://reproductiverights.org/maps/what-if-roe-fell/ 

Indigenous Women Rising is committed to honoring Native & Indigenous People’s inherent right to equitable and culturally-safe health options through accessible health education, resources, and advocacy. Indigenous Women Rising creates the space for Indigenous people to tell their own stories, on their terms, as an act of resistance, self love, and love for ancestors and family.

https://www.iwrising.org/

The Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP) is an all-volunteer organization created in 1991 by the Los Angeles section of the National Council of Jewish Women. WRRAP raises money for low-income women of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds who are unable to pay for either emergency contraception or safe and legal abortion.

https://www.wrrap.org/

Give Back

As you consider opportunities for individual service and chapter-wide service initiatives in the upcoming academic year, think about the ways you could contribute to community healthcare organizations. While Planned Parenthood does engage in important work, contributing time and funds to local organizations can lead to more localized, immediate solutions.

Many of these organizations have social media accounts where they launch awareness campaigns and offer ways to get involved. Check out some of the following on Instagram (this list is not exhaustive):

• ARC-Southeast, @arc_southeast
• Boulder Valley Women’s Health, @bvwhc
• Fund Texas Choice, @fundtexaschoice
• Lilith Fund (TX), @lilithfund
• Mariposa Fund (benefitting undocumented people in NM), @mariposafund
• Midwest Access Coalition, @midwest_access_coalition
• New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, @nmrcrc
• New York Abortion Access Fund, @nyaafund
• Northwest Abortion Access Fund, @nwaafund
• Silver State Hope Fund (NV; Twitter), @silverstatehope
• South Texans for Reproductive Justice, @sotx4rj
• Tucson Abortion Health Collective, @abortionintucson
• Whole Woman’s Health Alliance (TX), @wwalliance
• Women’s Health Specialists (CA), @womenshealthspecialists
• Yellowhammer Fund (Southeast), @yellowfund

In closing, we want to reemphasize our commitment to choice. People deserve autonomy over their bodies and a full spectrum of choices toward healthcare. We could easily use this moment to disengage and fall back, and that is valid. However, we want to encourage you, our members, to let this moment catalyse you toward service and advocacy.

More importantly, to our sxsters who have had to–and will in the future–navigate these choices for themselves: We see you, and we love you. And you are not alone.

In Sxsterhood,

Your National Cabinet

---

* https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/02/read-justice-alito-initial-abortion-opinion-overturn-roe-v-wade-pdf-00029504
** https://www.npr.org/2022/05/03/1096094942/roe-wade-overturned-what-happens-next

For 35 years, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., has embodied the values of Unity, Honesty, Integrity, and Leadership. Since our humble beginnings at Texas Tech University on April 6th, 1987, our organization has grown tremendously and become a second home to thousands of members throughout our over 80 alumnae and collegiate chapters across the nation. 

 

We celebrate our achievements and the impact we have had in our communities by reflecting on the moments that were brought to us because of Kappa Delta Chi. This year, our theme for Founding Week is KDChi Holds a Few of Our Favorite Things. During Founding Week, we invite members to share their favorite moments and participate in our virtual social media spirit week by using the hashtags #KDChi35 and #KDChiFavoriteseach day to connect and share as we reflect on our organization and the moments that have become our favorite memories. 

 

The social media activities are as follows: 

 

Sunday, April 3rd, 2022: Favorite Rush/Recruitment Memory

Monday, April 4th, 2022: Favorite Memory as a New Member

Tuesday, April 5th, 2022: Favorite Service Event

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022: Cheers to 35 Years

Thursday, April 7th, 2022: Favorite Social Event 

Friday, April 8th, 2022: Favorite KDChi Gear 

Saturday, April 9th, 2022: Favorite Membership Bond 

 

Thank you to our founding members for creating our organization and the thousands of members who came after who continue to move this organization forward and create a second family to make memories with throughout our lives. We loved the past 35 years and can’t wait to celebrate the decades to come. 

 

Happy 35th Anniversary, Penguins! 

 

Katrina Armijo

Vice President of Public Affairs

On Friday, February 18, 2022, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a non-binding opinion that under current Texas state law, gender-affirming procedures for nonbinary and transgender youth are to be classified as child abuse. Texas Governor Greg Abbott followed this release with his own letter to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), falsely claiming that Attorney General Ken Paxton’s opinion confirms anything about the state of gender-affirming care in Texas. 

Many other state governments and leaders have attempted to block gender-affirming care and education for LGBTQ+ students, such as Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” bill, which has been colloquially known as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, which prohibits schools from providing student support to LGBTQ+ students, as well as banning all education regarding sexual orientation and gender identity through Grade 3, and prevents educators from witholding information about a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity from the child’s parents1,3.

Similar actions, opinions, and legislation have been proposed in several other states.

Misinformation surrounding the aforementioned state actions has led to an increase of fear, despair, and overall stigma related to LGBTQ+ rights. The Social Justice Committee has compiled some concerns that have been brought before us to help increase understanding about the actions taken in Texas and Florida, specifically, as well as the rights and responsibilities for LGBTQ+ children, students, and their caretakers. While I cannot provide you with legal advice or direction, I can attempt to demystify and debunk some inaccurate information propagated by the actions taken by aforementioned state leaders, as well as direct you on how you can learn more and ways you can help the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

Clarifying Misconceptions

According to the Child Welfare League of America, “Providing appropriate, compassionate medical care for your child is not child abuse. We know that youth who identify as LGBTQ are at greater risk of homelessness, substance use disorders, mental illness, suicide ideation and attempts, trauma, and other negative outcomes than their peers; the right to receive individualized, evidence-based, identity-affirming care from their doctors and other medical providers saves lives.”7,10

AG Paxton’s opinion relies heavily on the use of what he calls “sterilization procedures” for children that infringe upon their right to procreate6. However, he almost exclusively refers to puberty/hormone blockers which, by their nature, temporarily prevent a child from reaching sexual maturity. Puberty/hormone blockers are considered fully reversible by medical literature.15,16

Gender-affirming care used by doctors for medical transitioning must meet the same safety requirements of other medications or surgeries, meaning that minors must have parental consent, as well as be endorsed and recommended by a competent medical doctor, with an active medical license, according to the Texas Occupational Code, Title 314. The option of surgery, especially genital surgery, is typically only offered to fully-developed adults who have exhausted all other options of social transitioning and to alleviate distress related to gender dysphoria11. The inclusion of such procedures in any opinions or statements from government leaders is extraneous, appears to be written in bad faith, and causes undue distress to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

In the follow-up letter from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the governor brings up hormone replacement and puberty blockers, which may be offered to minors who have reached a minimum stage of growth (around 9-11 years of age)15. However, as previously discussed, allegations that these two forms of gender-affirming care are child abuse rely on claims made by AG Paxton that (a) puberty blockers are irreversible, and (b) hormone replacements cause sterility. Neither claim is consistent with medical literature 15, 16. 

 

Implications for Families

Several educators, mandatory reporters, collegians, and other child caregivers have approached me and other members of the Social Justice Committee with questions about the Texas governor’s demand that the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) launch investigations into suspected instances of “elective procedures for gender transitioning, including reassignment surgeries that can cause sterilization, mastectomies, removals of otherwise healthy body parts, and administration of puberty-blocking drugs or supraphysiologic doses of testosterone or estrogen”5. 

This letter does not address social transitioning at all, which can include: (a) referring to a child by their proper pronouns; (b) allowing a child to wear clothing they find most comfortable and gender-affirming; (c) allowing a child to seek mental health care related to LGBTQ+ rights, as well as mental health treatment for gender dysphoria; (d) allowing children to engage in social play and age-appropriate social, romantic, and physical relationships; and (e) inquiring about gender-affirming care. None of these actions fit the criteria for the Texas Administrative Code’s definitions of child abuse and neglect17, 8. 

Many parents of transgender or gender nonconforming children have expressed concern that the governor’s statement will cause the undue removal of their child from their home. At this time, the DFPS maintains that removal of a child is a last resort and is typically only recommended in cases of severe and well-documented physical abuse and neglect4. DFPS caseworkers are human beings and evaluate the level of evidence that supports imminent danger and harm to a child when they receive reports of child abuse. Should you feel you and your family are being subjected to a fraudulent claim, please seek legal counsel. I have linked some LGBTQ+-affirming legal resources below.

How to Help

Anti-LGBTQ+ activity in Texas and Florida has already received legal pushback9. For instance, while public school teachers have limited first amendment rights2, children of all ages have a constitutional right to free speech in the classroom1,2. This means that the State of Florida cannot legally suppress discussion of any subject between students, calling into question the constitutionality of the bill. Due to the fact that the bill has not yet been signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, it has not yet gone into effect; opponents of the bill expect official challenges to occur once the bill has been signed1. 

If you would like to show your opposition to these actions, or any other action taken in opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in your state, you are encouraged to publicly show your support for your LGBTQ+ community members. Call your local and state legislators – who work for you, their constituents – and inform them of your stance. Utilize your time and talent to bring awareness and support, raise funds for LGBTQ+ resource centers, especially legal funds and mental health treatment centers for LGBTQ+ youth. There are several of these resources and legal funds, for your own use or for those who could use your support, linked in this document. 

Kappa Delta Chi continues to center, support, and affirm the lived experiences and identities of the entire LGBTQ+ community, especially those of whom are our sxsters and members. If you have any questions or need support or resources, please email me. And please know that you can always turn to our sxsterhood, because we will continue to fight for you. You belong, and you are loved. To our sxsters not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I urge you to remember: serving our community means serving our entirecommunity. 

 

In Love and Friendship, 

Victoria Pentecost-Cliffe 

VP Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Incorporated

Diversity@KappaDeltaChi.org

 

P.S. 
This letter, as well as the resource list below, can also be viewed/downloaded in pdf form and on our national letterhead here.

 

 

Resources

Gender-Affirming Care in Texas: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.texaspsyc.org/resource/resmgr/2022/eblasts/Texas_Fact_Sheet_on_Gender-A.pdf 

Legal Funds:
http://www.pridelawfund.org/#:~:text=Pride%20Law%20Fund%20(PLF)%20has,advocacy%20organizations%20across%20the%20country.
https://www.lambdalegal.org/
https://www.state.gov/global-equality-fund/

LGBTQ+ Legal Help:

https://www.hrc.org/
https://lgbtqbar.org/about/gethelp/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

LGBTQ+ Mental Health: 
https://pride-institute.com/
https://www.pridecounseling.com/
https://www.aasect.org/referral-directory
http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=939
https://restforresistance.com/ 

Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotlines
Trans Lifeline - 877-565-8860
LGBT National Youth Talkline - 1-800-246-7743
TrevorLifeline - 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText - Text START to 678-678
Crisis Text Line* - Text HOME to 741741
GLBT National Hotline - 1-888-843-4564

Resources that serve LGBTQ+ folks 

https://www.glsen.org/resources/student-and-gsa-resources
http://www.glma.org/
https://truecolorsunited.org/
https://pflag.org/ (Also for parents of LGBTQ+ children) 
https://www.qchatspace.org/
https://itgetsbetter.org/
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/i-stand-by-you-with-lizette-drew-lizette-j9RvIAste6i/

References

1. https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/understanding-floridas-dont-say-gay-bill/
2. https://www.findlaw.com/education/teachers-rights/teachers-different-freedoms-and-rights.html
3. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1557/?Tab=BillHistory
4. http://parentresourceguide.texaschildrenscommission.gov/library_item/gov.texaschildrenscommission.parent_resource_guide/10#:~:text=CPS%20can%20only%20remove%20your,let%20CPS%20remove%20your%20child
5. https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/O-MastersJaime202202221358.pdf
6. https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/opinion-files/opinion/2022/kp-0401_0.pdf
7. https://www.cwla.org/child-welfare-league-of-america-opposes-redefining-child-abuse-to-include-gender-affirming-care/
8. https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/news-stories/gender-affirming-care-is-healthcare-not-child-abuse/
9. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/03/11/judge-asked-block-abbott-order-transgender-affirming-therapy-child-abuse/6995409001/
10. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/gender-affirming-care-saves-lives
11. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2019/11/11/fact-check-what-does-law-say-about-children-and-sex-reassignment-surgery/984431007/
12. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/mar/05/viral-image/no-young-children-cannot-take-hormones-or-change-t/
13. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:VC9El8oVTugJ:https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Fact-check-Does-Texas-law-allow-transition-14838799.php+&cd=12&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
14. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?link=OC
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7656150/#R6
16. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/2/e20191606/68237/Long-term-Puberty-Suppression-for-a-Nonbinary 
17. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=26&pt=1&ch=510&rl=46 

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. expresses our condolences to the family of Vanessa Guillen and we are heartbroken at the systems which failed her and her family. Vanessa, and all persons in the military, deserve to feel safe and empowered in reporting any instances of sexual violence. 

 

Junior enlisted women are at the highest risk of sexual assault in the military. The most recent report on sexual assault in the military was released by the Department of Defense in 2018. The report lists troubling statistics. According to the report, the national odds that a woman will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime are 1 in 17. But for young military women ages 17 to 20, it is 1 in 8. And for 21- to 24-year-olds, it is 1 in 11. Further, 43% of women who did reported sexual violence had a negative experience.

 

In a historically misogynistic and violent system such as the military, women, particularly women of color, are too often violated with impunity. We demand that Congress thoroughly investigate and enact real change to address the violence inherent in the military industrial complex. 

 

We urge our members to contact their Congressional representatives demand they change the way that the military handles reports and investigates sexual violence by moving forward with the Military Justice Improvement Act. This act is designed to professionalize how the military prosecutes serious crimes like sexual assault, and to remove the systemic fear that survivors of military sexual assault describe in deciding whether to report the crimes committed against them. Repeated testimony from survivors and former commanders says that the widespread reluctance on the part of survivors to come forward and report is due to the bias and inherent conflicts of interest posed by the military chain of command’s sole decision-making power over whether cases move forward to a trial.

 

Text your zip code to 502-200-2223 to find your Representatives in Congress or search: www.usa.gov/elected-officials

 

#niunamas 

 

 

Sources: 

 

 https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/05/02/despite-efforts-sexual-assaults-nearly-40-us-military.html

 

 

https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/1831742/dod-sexual-assault-prevention-and-response-what-you-need-to-know/

 

Sexual Assault Statement

 

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. is adamantly opposed to all acts of sexual misconduct and relational violence.  Moreover, we believe in our values of Unity, Honesty, Integrity and Leadership which provide  unconditional support of our members at all times, including those who are survivors of sexual assault and dating violence. As an organization with collegiate members, we are dismayed by the changes in Title IX that will go in effect August 2020. The policy changes will create barriers for survivors of sexual violence to report sexual violence and hold perpatrators accountable.  The new changes also limit the scope of reports that colleges are required to investigate and provide greater protections for perpetrators.

 

Our organization is committed to working with our university and greek organizational partners to revisit concerns within and among our organizations relating to sexual assault. The National Association of Latino Fratnernal Organizations (“NALFO”) has organized a Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign and Action Committee to explore actionable items and policies, programming, and collaboration to protect our members and hold perpetrators accountable. 

 

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. will never condone sexual misconduct committed against our members or by our members. Below is a list of resources from our Mental Health and Wellness Guide (available at www.kappadeltachi.org):

 

• National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Website: https://hotline.rainn.org/

When you call, you’ll be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization based on the first six  digits of your phone number. Cell phone callers have the option to enter the ZIP code of their current location to more accurately locate the nearest sexual assault service provider.

 

• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) Website: 

https://www.trynova.org/help-for-crime-victims/

Provides comprehensive victims’ assistance resources from advocacy to legal assistance. Also includes resources for survivors of mass casualty and offers victim compensation services.

 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233; TTY 1-800-787-3224

https://www.thehotline.org/

For crisis and counseling services, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Hotline advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to provide confidential crisis

NALFO was tapped last week to participate in a mental health and wellness initiative called 5onthe5. The idea behind this initiative is that on May 5th each of us pledges to connect with 5 other people, check in on them, and take a moment to just listen. During this time of high stress and anxiety the organizers behind this campaign wanted us to feel a little more together.

Who will you reach out to on the 5th? We’re looking forward to getting as much participation as possible!

5onthe5_final event video.mp4

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information, Contact:

Paula Arno Martinez, president@kappadeltachi.org

 

It is understandably a time of high tension and anxiety. Members’ lives have been disrupted and there are many things to worry about. KDChi should not be one of those things right now. In an effort to place emphasis on health and safety, we are asking members to focus on their personal lives. For the next two weeks, don't worry about KDChi requirements (including completing hours, paying dues). There are no final decisions on these items. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and determine what is the most feasible solution for our membership. Since things are changing on a daily basis, we cannot say what that will look like at this time. No one will automatically lose their status. We truly have your best interests at heart, which is why we are asking you to take care of yourselves. 

By April 1st, the National Administrative Council will communicate next steps and we will take it a day at a time. We will work with you and get through these trying times. Please use this time to focus your energy on your mental and physical health while we all grapple with the impacts of COVID-19.

 

College women are at high risk of sexual assault by acquaintances and dates. Among undergraduate students, 23.1% of females experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitate. The risk of sexual assault among sorority women is likely to be as great, if not greater, than that for the general female undergraduate population.

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. supports a woman's right to report and seek a fair, supportive, and timely due process. As a sisterhood, we will provide unconditional support of our sisters who are survivors of sexual assault and dating violence. We commit to advocating in support of sister empowerment, risk reduction and educating out members and non-members to prevent sexual assault on our campuses and in our communities.

We are specifically aware of posts by members of Omega Delta Phi in closed groups targeted toward our members that are homophobic, misogynistic, and promote sexual violence. As an organization, we do not accept this behavior toward out members and eagerly await to see the actions ODPhi will take to hold its members accountable.

As sisters, we are committed to supporting out sisters, friends, and all those who have experienced sexual violence. If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault, it may be difficult to know what to do next. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org and receive confidential support.

Attachment: https://www.rainn.org/sites/default/files/SelfCareOnePageRAINN_1.pdf

Three things we can all do to honor Black History Month in February and beyond  

 1) Support Black Authors

Children’s books, young adult, novels, the gift of literature pays back in leaps and bounds. Not only are you supporting the author but you share the art of storytelling, especially theirs. You don’t have to just purchase books for your own collection, donate to local schools and libraries. Volunteer to read to children or senior citizens in your community. Some books to look up:

•   I Am Enough, by by Grace Byers 
  This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

 

• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, by Vashti Harrison 
  Featuring forty trailblazing black women in American history, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of breaking boundaries and achieving beyond expectations. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. 

• Mango Delight, by by Fracaswell Hyman
  What happens when your BFF becomes your EFF . . . EX-Friend-Forever? When seventh-grader Mango Delight Fuller accidentally breaks her BFF Brooklyn’s new cell phone, her life falls apart. She loses her friends and her spot on the track team, and even costs her father his job as a chef. But Brooklyn’s planned revenge—sneakily signing up Mango to audition for the school musical—backfires when Mango not only wins the lead role but becomes a YouTube sensation and attracts the attention of the school’s queen bee, Hailey Jo. Hailey Jo is from a VERY wealthy family and expects everyone to do her bidding. Soon Mango finds herself forced to make tough choices about the kind of friend she wants to have . . . and, just as important, the kind of friend she wants to be.
  
  
•   Marley Dias Gets It Done, by Marley Dias
  Marley Dias, the powerhouse girl-wonder who started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign, speaks to kids about her passion for making our world a better place, and how to make their dreams come true!
  In this accessible guide with an introduction by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Marley Dias explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good. 

 

• A Blade So Black, by L.L. McKinney 
  The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she's trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore fighting skills. Yet even warriors have a curfew. Life in real-world Atlanta isn't always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the Nightmares at bay is turning into a full-time job. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before. And she'll need to use everything she's learned in both worlds to keep from losing her head . . . literally.

 

2) Support Black Movies

Want to catch a movie instead? Supporting movies produced, directed and featuring black creatives shows Hollywood that representation matters on the big screen and the little screen. Major blockbusters are one thing, but also seek out independent, documentary films to share with family and friends to create positive discussion and bring awareness to the subjects at hand. Work with your school or community center to organize a movie night attending or featuring one of these movies:

 

• Black Panther
  One of the most anticipated Marvel movies of the year is coming out in 2018. With an all-star cast and Marvel Studios producing, Black Panther is anticipated to be one of the top-grossing movies of 2018.

•  Dark Girls
  DARK GIRLS is a fascinating and controversial film that goes underneath the surface to explore the prejudices dark-skinned women face throughout the world. It explores the roots of classism, racism and the lack of self-esteem within a segment of cultures that span from America to the most remote corners of the globe. Women share their personal stories, touching on deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes of society while allowing generations to heal as they learn to love themselves for who they are.

• Moonlight
  A moving, transcendent, award-winning look at 3 defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young man growing up in Miami. His epic journey to adulthood, as a shy outsider dealing with difficult circumstances, is guided by support, empathy and love from the most unexpected places.

• More Than A Month
  In this 2012 documentary, African American filmmaker Shukree Hassan Tilghman sets off on a journey across America asking the question “Should Black History Month be ended?” Tilghman searches to learn more about race and power in contemporary America by interviewing experts at revered organizations around the country in addition to everyday people he meets along the way during his journey.
  
  Using cinema verité, man-on-the-street interviews, and dramatizations to understand the implications of Black History Month, More Than a Month is both an amusing and thought-provoking look at what the treatment of history tells us about race and power in the United States. Through all this, Tilghman explores what it means to be an American and the universal endeavor to find one’s self.

• Hidden Figures
  An incredible & inspiring untold true story about three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.

 

3) Support Black Non-Profits in your community

Activists are hard at work year around advocating for equal rights. While every organization needs monetary support, volunteering your time is always welcomed at non-profits who are running on low resources. Some organizations that welcome support:

 

• Black Girls CODE
  Black Girls CODE is devoted to showing the world that black girls can code, and do so much more. By reaching out to the community through workshops and after-school programs, Black Girls GODE introduces computer coding lessons to young girls from underrepresented communities in programming languages such as Scratch or Ruby on Rails. Black Girls CODE has set out to prove to the world that girls of every color have the skills to become the programmers of tomorrow.

• Sister Love, Inc.
  SisterLove is working to eradicate the impact of HIV and sexual and reproductive oppressions upon all women and their communities in the US and around the world. The organization offers HIV testing and counseling, health education and advocacy programs, and international and leadership programs. 

• Incite!: Women of Color Against Violence
  INCITE! is a nation-wide network of radical feminists of color working to end violence against women, gender non-conforming, and trans people of color, and our communities. We support each other through direct action, critical dialogue, and grassroots organizing. 

• Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
  Jack and Jill of America is an organization created to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. They are dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

• Seek out some local nonprofits
  Find local nonprofit organization in your community through your local library, town hall, university or online through websites such as guidestar.org.

While Black History Month is officially the month of February it’s important to support throughout the year and seek out ways to support each other. These are just a few examples of support, tell us how you honor Black History Month.