With an uptick of recent coverage of members of Black fraternities and sororities denouncing their letters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc’s International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes has released a public statement addressing the coverage and the denouncers.
Here is the public statement, which was posted to the sorority’s social media channel’s on June 13th, 2024:
“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s membership continues to grow, with thousands joining our cherished sisterhood each year, energized by our mission and inspired by 111 years of impact in communities across the nation and around the globe. While social media tends to magnify outliers, individuals choosing to withdraw represent less than 1% of our membership.
We accept the decision of those who choose to withdraw their membership – we wish former members peace and clarity. However, there is a documented process for withdrawal from the Sorority, adopted at our 56th National Convention in 2023. Individuals who fail to adhere to the protocols outlined in our Constitution and Bylaws will be summarily expelled and subject to civil legal action by the Sorority for violating our intellectual property.
Delta’s strength lies in its members! Among us are trailblazers, including respected theologians, trusted community leaders, and changemakers in collegiate chapters and beyond. We also stand united with our D9 brothers and sisters as we advance our missions as stewards of the Black community, protectors of our democracy, and beacons of cultural pride. In this consequential election year, we cannot afford to be distracted from our important agenda – too much is at stake.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has 350,000 initiated members and more than 1,050 chapters across the United States and internationally, including in the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Virgin Islands.
Let’s continue to move forward with fortitude!”
