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October 20, 2023
Devastation from Earthquakes in Afghanistan Strikes an Already-Shaky Foundation
Anselma Ellingwood | October 9, 2023
Authorities have confirmed over 2000 casualties following a devastating earthquake that hit northwestern Afghanistan’s Herat province. Two 6.3-magnitude earthquakes hit several districts on Saturday, followed by 7 tremors, causing mud-brick homes to collapse. Thousands of people have since been sleeping outside in freezing temperatures to protect themselves from aftershocks that could destroy their homes. Several villages have been reduced to rubble with the count of fatalities and injuries continuing to climb.
Aid workers on Sunday encountered devastating effects from the earthquake: people’s homes destroyed, entire families killed, and hospitals and clinics overwhelmed with injured people – hospitals and clinics that were already close to collapsing due to lack of funding. The earthquakes are one the deadliest disasters Afghanistan has seen in decades and recently, the country has grappled with flooding and mudslides too. The earthquakes and other disasters have exacerbated the precarious humanitarian aid situation and economic crisis caused by the takeover of the government in Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2021.
The consequent disappearance of millions of jobs have led to almost half of the population’s 39 million people facing severe hunger and 3 million on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations World Food Program. The Taliban released edicts earlier this year to prevent women from working for NGOs and delivering much-needed aid. Aid money has begun to peter out as the world’s attention goes elsewhere and the Taliban’s gender apartheid policies against women have led to calls to stop funding the country entirely.
Taliban officials claim to be directing military and service organizations to help those injured and provide food and shelter to remote areas but volunteers shared that “little” if any aid had been received from the Taliban. Distribution of tents and blankets in Herat only begins to scratch at the surface of people’s needs.
https://feminist.org/news/devastation-from-earthquakes-in-afghanistan-strikes-an-already-shaky-foundation/
Devastation from Earthquakes in Afghanistan Strikes an Already-Shaky Foundation
Devastation from Earthquakes in Afghanistan Strikes an Already-Shaky Foundation
Anselma Ellingwood | October 9, 2023
Authorities have confirmed over 2000 casualties following a devastating earthquake that hit northwestern Afghanistan’s Herat province. Two 6.3-magnitude earthquakes hit several districts on Saturday, followed by 7 tremors, causing mud-brick homes to collapse. Thousands of people have since been sleeping outside in freezing temperatures to protect themselves from aftershocks that could destroy their homes. Several villages have been reduced to rubble with the count of fatalities and injuries continuing to climb.
Aid workers on Sunday encountered devastating effects from the earthquake: people’s homes destroyed, entire families killed, and hospitals and clinics overwhelmed with injured people – hospitals and clinics that were already close to collapsing due to lack of funding. The earthquakes are one the deadliest disasters Afghanistan has seen in decades and recently, the country has grappled with flooding and mudslides too. The earthquakes and other disasters have exacerbated the precarious humanitarian aid situation and economic crisis caused by the takeover of the government in Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2021.
The consequent disappearance of millions of jobs have led to almost half of the population’s 39 million people facing severe hunger and 3 million on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations World Food Program. The Taliban released edicts earlier this year to prevent women from working for NGOs and delivering much-needed aid. Aid money has begun to peter out as the world’s attention goes elsewhere and the Taliban’s gender apartheid policies against women have led to calls to stop funding the country entirely.
Taliban officials claim to be directing military and service organizations to help those injured and provide food and shelter to remote areas but volunteers shared that “little” if any aid had been received from the Taliban. Distribution of tents and blankets in Herat only begins to scratch at the surface of people’s needs.
https://feminist.org/news/devastation-from-earthquakes-in-afghanistan-strikes-an-already-shaky-foundation/
October 20, 2023
Devastation from Earthquakes in Afghanistan Strikes an Already-Shaky Foundation
Anselma Ellingwood | October 9, 2023
Authorities have confirmed over 2000 casualties following a devastating earthquake that hit northwestern Afghanistan’s Herat province. Two 6.3-magnitude earthquakes hit several districts on Saturday, followed by 7 tremors, causing mud-brick homes to collapse. Thousands of people have since been sleeping outside in freezing temperatures to protect themselves from aftershocks that could destroy their homes. Several villages have been reduced to rubble with the count of fatalities and injuries continuing to climb.
Aid workers on Sunday encountered devastating effects from the earthquake: people’s homes destroyed, entire families killed, and hospitals and clinics overwhelmed with injured people – hospitals and clinics that were already close to collapsing due to lack of funding. The earthquakes are one the deadliest disasters Afghanistan has seen in decades and recently, the country has grappled with flooding and mudslides too. The earthquakes and other disasters have exacerbated the precarious humanitarian aid situation and economic crisis caused by the takeover of the government in Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2021.
The consequent disappearance of millions of jobs have led to almost half of the population’s 39 million people facing severe hunger and 3 million on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations World Food Program. The Taliban released edicts earlier this year to prevent women from working for NGOs and delivering much-needed aid. Aid money has begun to peter out as the world’s attention goes elsewhere and the Taliban’s gender apartheid policies against women have led to calls to stop funding the country entirely.
Taliban officials claim to be directing military and service organizations to help those injured and provide food and shelter to remote areas but volunteers shared that “little” if any aid had been received from the Taliban. Distribution of tents and blankets in Herat only begins to scratch at the surface of people’s needs.
https://feminist.org/news/devastation-from-earthquakes-in-afghanistan-strikes-an-already-shaky-foundation/
Devastation from Earthquakes in Afghanistan Strikes an Already-Shaky Foundation
Devastation from Earthquakes in Afghanistan Strikes an Already-Shaky Foundation
Anselma Ellingwood | October 9, 2023
Authorities have confirmed over 2000 casualties following a devastating earthquake that hit northwestern Afghanistan’s Herat province. Two 6.3-magnitude earthquakes hit several districts on Saturday, followed by 7 tremors, causing mud-brick homes to collapse. Thousands of people have since been sleeping outside in freezing temperatures to protect themselves from aftershocks that could destroy their homes. Several villages have been reduced to rubble with the count of fatalities and injuries continuing to climb.
Aid workers on Sunday encountered devastating effects from the earthquake: people’s homes destroyed, entire families killed, and hospitals and clinics overwhelmed with injured people – hospitals and clinics that were already close to collapsing due to lack of funding. The earthquakes are one the deadliest disasters Afghanistan has seen in decades and recently, the country has grappled with flooding and mudslides too. The earthquakes and other disasters have exacerbated the precarious humanitarian aid situation and economic crisis caused by the takeover of the government in Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2021.
The consequent disappearance of millions of jobs have led to almost half of the population’s 39 million people facing severe hunger and 3 million on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations World Food Program. The Taliban released edicts earlier this year to prevent women from working for NGOs and delivering much-needed aid. Aid money has begun to peter out as the world’s attention goes elsewhere and the Taliban’s gender apartheid policies against women have led to calls to stop funding the country entirely.
Taliban officials claim to be directing military and service organizations to help those injured and provide food and shelter to remote areas but volunteers shared that “little” if any aid had been received from the Taliban. Distribution of tents and blankets in Herat only begins to scratch at the surface of people’s needs.
https://feminist.org/news/devastation-from-earthquakes-in-afghanistan-strikes-an-already-shaky-foundation/
October 20, 2023
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
October 20, 2023
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
October 20, 2023
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
October 20, 2023
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
Why Sororities Should Admit Nonbinary Members
10/19/2023 by Alanna Gillis and Fabián Guzmán
Sororities reproduce the same gender-based discrimination their founders faced as women by denying nonbinary students today. It’s time to end the cycle.
Ms. Classroom wants to hear from educators and students being impacted by legislation attacking public education, higher education, gender, race and sexuality studies, activism and social justice in education, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Cue: a new series from Ms., ‘Banned! Voices from the Classroom.’ Submit pitches and/or op-eds and reflections (between 500-800 words) to Ms. contributing editor Aviva Dove-Viebahn at [email protected]. Posts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender children, teens and adults have been increasingly subjected to restrictive legislation and policies that deny their gender, their bodily autonomy and their agency. On college campuses, sororities could offer close friendships and a deeper sense of belonging on campus, if it weren’t for national policies that often restrict membership based on sex assigned at birth.
Fabián (Fa) Guzmán was thrilled to join a sorority in August 2022. They had been attending St. Lawrence University, a predominantly white institution, as a nonbinary Latinx international student for two years. After a traumatic incident and struggles with mental health, they found their support group in a sorority and became an honorary sister in spring 2022. When they considered formally rushing, some people Fa spoke to expressed uncertainty: As a nonbinary student not assigned female at birth, were they eligible? After months of reviewing the membership guideline documents, getting approval from nationals, and having the university double check approval, the consensus was in: Fa could be offered a bid!
. . . .
Sororities were founded in response to the sexist environment women encountered academically and socially, being forced to create “women’s fraternities” due to their exclusion from traditional men-only fraternities. Sororities today continue to play a role in helping people oppressed by the patriarchy. Men continue to dominate the economic, political and social positions in society. Being part of a sorority counteracts some of the exclusive power of the “old boys club” by helping those excluded to network together. Many women break into fields dominated by men like business, law and politics in part thanks to their sorority membership. Members additionally gain access to professional development, friendship, a group with shared values, and emotional support.
A school-wide performance at Jackson State University on March 25, 2017. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. (Charles A. Smith / JSU University Communications / Jackson State University via Getty Images)
. . . .
We argue that sororities should take a proactive stance: If they amend their bylaws to explicitly include expansive definitions of women and nonbinary students, they can protect themselves from such lawsuits if there is no room to argue whether or not such students can join. It would also prevent joy from turning into devastation when members like Fa are permitted to join and then kicked out when someone changes their interpretation. It seems like this change is unlikely to be initiated by the national leadership. So how could the change happen? Sororities that are affiliated with national organizations have regular conventions where members can propose new changes.
Unfortunately it’s too late for Fa: Fall 2023 is their last semester of college, and despite creating a petition, they will not be reinstated in the chapter or as recruitment chair. Their pain is profound from the loss of the social connections to the invalidation of their identity. Nevertheless, they hope their legacy is one that inspires change: Fa’s former chapter is inspiring other chapters to support a proposal to next year’s national convention to vote to make nonbinary students eligible to join. Now’s the time for sororities to simultaneously stay true to the historical mission and move into the 21st century of gender inclusion and empowerment.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/sororities-nonbinary-trans-women/
October 20, 2023
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
10/19/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ).
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience. Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 19 journalists have been killed; three were women. Eleven journalists, including two women, were injured, detained or went missing—all within the span of 10 days.
The CFWIJ is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9, 2023. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13, 2023.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
. . . . .
Rest in power: Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
https://pbs.twimg.com/list_banner_img/1711339897984815104/IbM3h8t1?format=jpg&name=small
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/women-reporters-israel-gaza-palestine-war/
October 20, 2023
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
10/19/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ).
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience. Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 19 journalists have been killed; three were women. Eleven journalists, including two women, were injured, detained or went missing—all within the span of 10 days.
The CFWIJ is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9, 2023. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13, 2023.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
. . . . .
Rest in power: Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
https://pbs.twimg.com/list_banner_img/1711339897984815104/IbM3h8t1?format=jpg&name=small
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/women-reporters-israel-gaza-palestine-war/
October 20, 2023
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
10/19/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ).
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience. Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 19 journalists have been killed; three were women. Eleven journalists, including two women, were injured, detained or went missing—all within the span of 10 days.
The CFWIJ is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9, 2023. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13, 2023.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
. . . . .
Rest in power: Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
https://pbs.twimg.com/list_banner_img/1711339897984815104/IbM3h8t1?format=jpg&name=small
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/women-reporters-israel-gaza-palestine-war/
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
10/19/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ).
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience. Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 19 journalists have been killed; three were women. Eleven journalists, including two women, were injured, detained or went missing—all within the span of 10 days.
The CFWIJ is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9, 2023. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13, 2023.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
. . . . .
Rest in power: Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
https://pbs.twimg.com/list_banner_img/1711339897984815104/IbM3h8t1?format=jpg&name=small
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/women-reporters-israel-gaza-palestine-war/
October 20, 2023
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
10/19/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ).
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience. Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 19 journalists have been killed; three were women. Eleven journalists, including two women, were injured, detained or went missing—all within the span of 10 days.
The CFWIJ is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9, 2023. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13, 2023.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
. . . . .
Rest in power: Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
https://pbs.twimg.com/list_banner_img/1711339897984815104/IbM3h8t1?format=jpg&name=small
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/women-reporters-israel-gaza-palestine-war/
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
Reporting Under Fire: Honoring the Journalists Covering the Israeli-Gaza War
10/19/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ).
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience. Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 19 journalists have been killed; three were women. Eleven journalists, including two women, were injured, detained or went missing—all within the span of 10 days.
The CFWIJ is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9, 2023. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13, 2023.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
. . . . .
Rest in power: Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
https://pbs.twimg.com/list_banner_img/1711339897984815104/IbM3h8t1?format=jpg&name=small
https://msmagazine.com/2023/10/19/women-reporters-israel-gaza-palestine-war/
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