The Alpha Phi sorority on Thursday became the first national sorority to break rank with the National Panhellenic Conference by saying it doesn’t support a controversial campus sexual assault bill.
The statement, obtained by The Huffington Post, was issued by Alpha Phi’s national office “at the request of many of our members and chapters.” It explains that “Alpha Phi has not endorsed this legislation and has not committed to any financial support” and takes issue with several aspects of the Safe Campus Act.
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The Safe Campus Act was proposed in Congress in late July following lobbying by NPC and several national fraternity groups. The legislation would block colleges from investigating sexual assault cases unless the alleged victim also reports to law enforcement, and in those cases, the school couldn’t fully adjudicate until a criminal investigation concludes. No other form of misconduct would face this sort of requirement.
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“We believe our sisters who are survivors should have choices in how, when and to whom they go to for support or to report the crime,” Alpha Phi said in the statement. “They should have their own voice and the support and encouragement they need to move forward including reporting as they choose to.”
