Quote:
Originally Posted by LebaDoo
Hello.
I belong to a local graduate Greek chapter that appears to be consistently discriminating against it's own elderly and disabled members. The chapter has come up with ways to screen out the oldest and most distinguished members, so they cannot sponsor a candidate for membership. For example, they are mandating that these old women (some in wheelchairs and walkers) attend national meetings, when they know that it's just not possible for most of them. The women are cancer survivors, some have bodies riddled with various diseases, and etc. They have been members for 70 years or longer, and never missed a membership fee! This practice has been going on for decades and it appears to be a violation of the American's With Disabilities Act.
Is anyone here experiencing this type of discrimination within their local graduate chapter?
Thank you.
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You have internal means to settle disputes, probably starting at the Member at Large of your chapter's board of directors.
From what I am aware of this particular organization, the local chapter has the right to determine who qualifies as a sponsor. And not that I don't feel your plight--I truly do--but I have seen photos of elderly members who actually are able to fulfill the requirements of sponsorship.
For the ones who are not able, surely they have the clout to find a member who WILL sponsor their candidate on their behalf.
Finally... it's not impossible for a potential candidate to attend public events and make her own inroads with members who like her and grow to want to sponsor her without solicitation.
