Yesterday Indiana governor, Mike Pence, signed into law Senate Bill 101 (SB101) also known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This bill has been openly criticized as the legalization of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in the state of Indiana. Though Indiana is only one among 19 states that have similar laws in their constitutions, this bill immediately effects two of our major conferences, the Title IX Fraternal & Student Conduct Institute taking place this July and the 2018 Annual Meeting, both of which are scheduled to take place in Indiana. 

AFA is strongly committed to inclusion and does not condone discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or ability. In accordance with our core values, we will work actively to eliminate discriminatory practices when encountered. Any sort of discrimination is in direct conflict with that mission. As an organization, we are extremely concerned about SB101 and the potential impact it could have on the LBGT community. To that, we are reviewing our event contracts and considering the impact this bill will have on the location of these  events. 

Indianapolis is a hub for the fraternity profession and we ask fellow fraternal organizations to write Indiana's governor to express concerns regarding SB101 and we encourage our members in Indiana to remember this moment during future state elections.

Through all these actions, and potential future action, we hope to make clear that the AFA is an organization that cherishes a safe experience for our members, where difference and diversity is valued. It is only by remaining steadfast in this commitment that we can continue to create positive change in fraternity/sorority communities, communities in higher education, and beyond.