Delta Upsilon Western Reserve
Welcome to the Western Reserve Chapter of the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity! Delta Upsilon (DU) is a non-secret international men's fraternity founded in 1834. We are committed to Building Better Men through our four Founding Principles: Promotion of Friendship, Development of Character, Advancement of Justice, and Diffusion of Liberal Culture. The core principles of the fraternity challenge our brothers to expect nothing less than excellence from themselves and others.
There are no secrets with Delta Upsilon. No secret rituals. No secret oaths. No hazing. We are proud of what DU stands for and proud to be the world's only international fraternity committed to sharing our ideals, symbols, and rituals openly.
Chapter Statement Regarding Changing and Improving the CWRU Community
The Western Reserve Chapter of Delta Upsilon is appalled by recent allegations of sexual assault, anti-LGBTQ behavior, and racism at Case Western Reserve University. As an organization whose motto is “Justice, Our Foundation,” we believe that all members of our campus community are instrumental in achieving a more just society, especially our brothers. Discrimination and disregard for human wellbeing have no place in achieving this justice, and we unequivocally condemn any individual or group that perpetuates or enables these behaviors.
Since its creation in 1834, Delta Upsilon has been a non-secret fraternity and our rituals, bylaws, and heritage have always been available to the public and open to scrutiny. It is clear now more than ever before that this openness is needed in order to achieve social progress on CWRU’s campus and enact changes that bring justice to anyone who has been harmed by discriminatory and predatory behaviors of their peers during their time in college.
In order to better adhere to the principles of non-secrecy and justice as our fraternity's foundation, our chapter is taking the following actions this semester and beyond to promote organizational transparency and to develop our members as advocates against societally harmful behaviors:
Immediate removal of alcohol from the chapter house. ☑
Ongoing fundraising for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in conjunction with Greek Life’s Amplify, Connect, Educate, and Support (ACES) Initiative.
Publication of our Chapter Bylaws, International Bylaws, Ritual Book, Code of Conduct, Loss Prevention presentations, Loss Prevention policies, Annual Reports, Academic Contract, Service Contract, Associate Member Education program, and Strategic Plan on our chapter's website, cwrudeltau.org. Deadline: August 15. ☑
Increased frequency of chapter Citizenship Roundtable discussions on social justice issues and activism from two per year to a minimum of two per semester. Deadlines: minimum of two roundtables planned for the Fall 2020 semester by August 23; commitment to increased frequency voted into our Strategic Plan by November 15. ☑
Creation of Citizenship Seminars led by external resources (faculty, community orgs, etc.). These events will be led by social justice experts and will continue discussions held at our Citizenship Roundtables. A minimum of one will be held each semester. Deadlines: at least one seminar planned for Fall 2020 by September 6; commitment to holding these events voted into our Strategic Plan by November 15.
Creation of an internal dues assistance fund to help nonaffiliated individuals join and current brothers stay in the chapter. Deadline: September 6. ☑
External auditing of our Loss Prevention educational materials by community organizations in order to address any shortcomings and add potentially excluded perspectives. Deadline: September 13.
Implementation of the IFC/PHC action plan for transformative community-wide change. Deadline: ASAP following finalization of plan.
These actions are not exhaustive, and the steps taken by the chapter will continue to evolve over time in response to community needs. Our commitment to a just and equitable society will not waiver nor will our need to see such a commitment in potential new members who seek to join Delta Upsilon. Furthermore, we look forward to community-wide change driven by the Interfraternity Congress, Panhellenic Council, and 26 other social fraternities and sororities on our campus. We will use our voices to be positive change agents in the campus and Cleveland communities, and we expect nothing less from our Greek peers.
-The Brothers of the Western Reserve Chapter of the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity