[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]A message from Keith Shriver, Executive Director & CEO – #NHPW16[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#9e2222″ scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”5129″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”25″][vc_column_text]
An Opportunity to revisit our Principles
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/6″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”25″][vc_column_text]
“How anyone can think that a freshman today, with his knowledge, his savior faire and his experience, is made a better fraternity man by the slap-stick method, is beyond my comprehension. It is undignified; it is unjust; it is barbaric; it is ridiculous – and, above all, it is dangerous….Delta Chi should, by definite and positive decree at this convention, here and now, ban rough initiations from the whole Fraternity as being below our dignity and a positive menace to our existence…We must decide it – either we approve such barbaric, or babylike methods, or we disapprove them. Our inaction is approval. We must, for our own sake, abandon them. We must put Delta Chi right before the world.” – Remarks by 22nd “AA” Billy Bride (Georgetown ’04) during the 1929 Convention in pursuit to abolish “Hell Week.”
As we observe and support National Hazing Prevention Week this week, we have the opportunity to revisit one of the principles within our Preamble: Advance Justice.
It is often easier to think of how to put into practice the other three principles; they are perhaps more straightforward. However, how can the challenge of advancing justice apply to this week in particular?
Of course, we advance justice when we respect and comply with the law, and refuse to haze anyone for any reason. Yes, this is basic and straightforward. The commitment for Delta Chis, however, should run deeper. We will find that deeper commitment when we honor the importance of true respect for our fellow man at all times. When we do that, we honor the commitments of the friendships we forged when we first met one another.
We advance justice when we maintain consistent, reliable, and dependable friendships that are unconditional. We demonstrate to others in our communities how long-lasting friendships and relationships are the building blocks of a loving and respectful society. When we advance justice in this way, we truly demonstrate how Delta Chi is the Brotherhood of a Lifetime – a lifelong endeavor. All you have to do is attend a Delta Chi Convention and you will see it everywhere you turn.
Justice is advanced when we respect others for who they are, as well as the tremendous depth of their individual potential. Instead of thinking that someone must earn our respect, perhaps it’s time for us to earn theirs. We advance justice through meaningful brotherhood and by supporting all members’ quest of the best education possible and the realization of personal dreams and aspirations. Our Preamble is a powerful statement of life itself. Let us celebrate how it can also be a powerful tool for eliminating hazing.
In the Bond,
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_row_inner text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”5130″ alignment=”” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]KEITH R. SHRIVER, Florida ’79
Executive Director & CEO[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/6″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
