Delta Lambda Phi makes history as the first gay fraternity to become a member of the NIC

The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) has announced that Delta Lambda Phi Social Fraternity has joined the Conference as a member fraternity. The fraternity was approved for membership April 11 and was formally seated at the House of Delegates Monday, April 15 at the Annual Meeting of the NIC in St. Louis, Mo.

Delta Lambda Phi (DLP) Fraternity’s addition increases the total membership of the NIC to 75 fraternities. DLP is also the first fraternity for gay, bisexual, and progressive men in the NIC.

According to Campus Pride Executive Director and founder of the Lambda 10 Project, Shane L. Windmeyer the announcement that Delta Lambda Phi is now a member of the NIC is definite progress from nearly two decades of work by organizations like Campus Pride and other out fraternal leaders and allies.  Windmeyer goes on to note that “albeit it a bit late, by ten years” in his opinion, the fact that the NIC voted to include DLP in its membership is a positive step forward for LGBT people within fraternities and sororities — and a “sign of the times.”

Campus Pride has worked actively publishing landmark resources, books, training manuals and providing educational programs through its Lambda 10 Project for LGBT fraternity and sorority issues. All of these “first-time” efforts were not happening until Lambda 10 Project began in 1995.  The Project is aimed toward increasing awareness and advocacy of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender experience within college fraternities and sororities.

“The NIC has come a long way in its acceptance of gay members and LGB issues. I applaud the NIC leadership for getting to this point in their evolution on gay people. Other national associations such as the NPC, NPHC, NALFO, and FEA need to demonstrate in a ‘visible’ way their acts of inclusion for LGBT membership,” said Windmeyer, who has professionally spent nearly two decades educating fraternal organizations on LGBT issues and has published numerous books on the topic. “Campus Pride congratulates Delta Lambda Phi and believes their ‘visible’ presence in the NIC will only further progress on LGBT issues. You can’t be ‘invisible’ if you’re sitting at the table.  Delta Lambda Phi will be a constant reminder that gay members exist among all fraternities.”

Delta Lambda Phi’s mission is based on three purposes: (1) to develop dignified and purposeful social, service, and recreational activities for progressive men, irrespective of sexual orientation; (2) to lead in determining the rights and privileges of individuals in society; and (3) to present a strong and positive image which respects the diversity of all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation. Brothers of DLP also strive to make their presence make a difference in everything they do.

NIC President andCEO Peter Smithhisler welcomed Delta Lambda Phi stating, “The addition of Delta Lambda Phi Social Fraternity to the conference is evidence of the growth of the fraternal movement and the critical role that fraternities play in the lives of their members and in the communities which they serve. Their membership reinforces the diverse needs and interests of college men. The fraternal movement is of great relevance in higher education and in today’s society as a whole. Fraternities are the largest leadership development organizations on college campuses across the country and the mission. We look forward to Delta Lambda Phi’s collaboration with our member fraternities in our effort to advance the fraternal movement.”

Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Delta Lambda Phi’s trustee and chairman, commented, “We are very excited to be accepted into the prestigious membership of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. We could not imagine any better welcome than that which we received at the recent conference and we look forward to working with them to provide a better fraternal experience not only for our own Brothers, but for all men across the continent.”

The NIC was founded in 1909 and is the trade association representing International and National Men’s Fraternities. Through advocacy, collaboration, and education, the NIC works to ensure that fraternities can cooperate in an environment conducive to their success.