Resolution 24-10: NPHC PLOTS

Number 24-10
Description The resolution advocates for the placement of NPHC plots for the greek life.
Authored by Dremaine Sands
Sponsored by Yaseen Tasnif
Mayte Campos
Date Submitted Monday, February 26, 2024
Date Considered Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Committee Student Affairs
Result In Executive Branch
Remarks
Whereas On May 10, 1930, Nine African American organizations came together over the years to form a council called The National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC), also better known as Divine Nine. These organizations are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc; and
Whereas The Divine Nine was built to foster a sense of community for African-American men and women during a period in history where minorities were looked down upon, discriminated against, & shunned from participation in basic college & communal activities. NPHC's mission is to stress the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood in each organization, promote community service, and strive for excellence and achievement toward completing an education; and
Whereas Over the years, NPHC organizations have developed dedicated programs for education, service, mentorship, scholarship, and social justice initiatives. These programs have extended social directives for young children in middle school and high school. This allows for instilling a sense of pride in their culture, roots, and history at such an early age. In advocacy for them to continue to walk in the faith with their teachings, it is believed that their fraternity or sorority has taught them to close the gap to social barriers of equality and equity that many NPHC members experienced; and
Whereas A plot is a structure (such as a statue, flagpole, etc.) that represents a dedication to history by each organization. Typically, this involves erecting a dedicated area in which each D9 organization is represented with flags, statues, or plaques. These areas are typically maintained by the Greek organization members as well. For UTA would provide the campus with a sense of the symbolic and physical presence our NPHC stands for. For both Undergraduates and Alumni, it would help the university by making a change for a visual representation of the NPHC organization's rituals, values, and beliefs held by each respective chapter. Plots would give lifelong members, such as UTA Alumni who were initiated on this campus, the opportunity to celebrate their Founders Day or Charter Day, gather with current undergraduates, and reflect on their Founders' vision; and
Whereas If plots are officially built on campus, they will serve a purpose to not only the UTA NPHC Chapters but all NPHC Greeks, neighboring campus communities, fellow councils, and, most importantly, provide students of color a sense of belonging. It will also serve as a robust educational visual for students, both incoming and transfer. We expect an acknowledgment and presence on campus for the African-American Divine Nine Fraternities and Sororities at UTA. Also, this would encourage possible live performances, neophyte presentations, student organization events, and social gatherings in the future if permitted; and
Whereas The University of Texas at Arlington has been historically a predominantly white institution, and the development of these plots will grant the National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters on this campus the opportunity to celebrate their chapters' hard work and achievements proudly while paying homage to the culture, tradition, and history of their organizations. If these are granted and built, it will also result in great representation on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington.
Be It Further Resolved That The University of Texas at Arlington erect plots for NPHC Greek life on this campus & that these plots remain open and accessible to the campus community and treated with respect to all organizations under the Divine Nine. UTA is expected to maintain these plots as they are university property being built on this campus.
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