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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2017 Fraternal ‘Umbrella’ Organizations Unanimously Support New Anti-Hazing Legislation Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio Introduce the Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act WASHINGTON — Officials from the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC), National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association (NAPA), National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), and Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), issued the following statements today endorsing anti-hazing legislation introduced by Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio. The Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act would require colleges and universities to disclose information about hazing on campus in their annual crime reports. It would also require any college or university that accepts federal funding to provide hazing prevention education to all students. This united support for the REACH Act comes from all the fraternal “umbrella” organizations, which collectively represent more than 140 fraternities and sororities, as well as the association that provides development to professionals who work with fraternities and sororities. Statement from the National Panhellenic Conference “Students have long had access to accurate and timely information about security issues on campus, and they deserve the same transparency about incidents of hazing,” said Dani Weatherford, NPC Executive Director, on behalf of the organization’s Board of Directors. “No single piece of legislation can eradicate hazing on campus, but it can ensure that students, administrators and parents have access to the tools and information they need to hold organizations and campuses accountable. The battle against hazing is not a problem for fraternities alone, but a call-to-action for all campus-based organizations – including the sorority community. We stand with elected leaders, campus officials and students nationwide as committed partners in this fight.” Statement from the North-American Interfraternity Conference “Research shows hazing prevention is best accomplished through comprehensive measures, including proactive education, transparency and accountability around standards,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. “The North-American Interfraternity Conference backs the REACH Act because it focuses on these critical strategies. NIC member fraternities stand united in providing positive, hazing-free, meaningful rites of passage that strengthen and develop young men.” Statement from the National Pan-Hellenic Council “The Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council commends the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Pat Meehan and Rep. Marcia Fudge and supports the objectives of the REACH Act,” said Dr. Paulette C. Walker, Chair of the NPHC Council of Presidents and National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  “The organizations of the NPHC are resolute in the commitment to nurture the ideals of sisterhood and fraternalism and uphold the dignity and self-respect of all persons seeking membership in the respective organizations,” said Jennifer Jones, NPHC President. “Hazing is antithetical to this commitment. NPHC organizations collaborate with universities regarding hazing concerns and believe that university-sponsored hazing education and annual reporting of hazing incidents will be important tools in a more comprehensive and proactive approach to combat hazing.” Statement from the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations “Many of our members—first- and second-gen students—are sent to college by parents unfamiliar with the traditions that occur at some universities. Our students look for places of belonging and trust that universities are doing their best to prevent harm to their students,” said NALFO President Maria Diaz. “Through our shared standards and membership requirement for each organization to have clear anti-hazing policies, NALFO strives to assure that each student is able to participate in our organizations’ traditions in a safe and supportive way. The REACH Act will arm our students and parents with access to information that will help them make an informed decision on what institution to entrust with their well-being.” Statement from the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association “NAPA strictly opposes hazing and any activities that do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of potential new members and initiated members,” said NAPA’s Executive Board. “In solidarity with our fellow umbrella organizations, we believe the REACH Act will support our commitment to empowering our member organizations to operate with the safety and sustainability of their members as a top priority.” Statement from the National Multicultural Greek Council “The National Multicultural Greek Council organizations each dedicate substantial time and resources to improving the lives of individuals and bettering their communities,” said NMGC President Jen Rencher. “Accordingly, a membership intake process that utilizes and/or condones acts of hazing is contrary to the mission and purpose of the NMGC and its Member Organizations. As such, we support the REACH Act for providing transparency about hazing incidents and education on how to combat it for the campus community.” Statement from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors “Hazing on college campuses is a complex problem and addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach,” said Lynda Wiley, Executive Director of AFA. “A combination of information, education and accountability is necessary to eliminate this behavior. Including hazing information in Clery reporting will help students and parents as they ask important questions related to joining a variety of organizations, including fraternities and sororities. AFA is committed to continual professional education for our members and would provide training around implementation of the REACH Act if it becomes law.” # # # About the National Panhellenic Conference NPC is the umbrella organization specifically charged with advocating on behalf of the sorority experience. It is comprised of 26 national and international sororities that are autonomous social organizations. Collectively, NPC sororities are located on more than 670 campuses with approximately 380,000 undergraduate members and more than 4.5 million alumnae. About the North-American Interfraternity Conference Founded in 1909, the NIC is the trade association that represents a diverse range of inter/national men’s fraternities, including historically black, multicultural and emerging organizations. NIC’s 66 member organizations boast more than 6,100 chapters located on more than 800 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 380,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni. About the National Pan-Hellenic Council NPHC is comprised of local councils drawn from the ranks of 1.5 million college and professional members of the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities, namely: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.; and the Council of Presidents of these member organizations who come together on issues that promote the common purposes and general good for which these organizations exist. About the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations NALFO is the coalition of 16 Latina/o based sororities and fraternities in the United States. NALFO exists to unite and empower its Latino organizations and their communities through advocacy, cultural awareness and organizational development while fostering positive interfraternal relationships and collaborating on issues of mutual interest. About the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association NAPA shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently is comprised of 18 culturally-based member organizations. About the National Multicultural Greek Council NMGC is an umbrella council for a coalition of Multicultural Greek-Letter Organizations (MGLOs), established in 1998. The purpose of NMGC is to provide a forum that allows for the free exchange of ideas, programs and services between its constituent fraternities and sororities; to promote the awareness of multicultural diversity within collegiate institutions, their surrounding communities, and the greater community-at-large, and to support and promote the works of its member organizations. About the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Through programs, publications, networking opportunities and other resources, AFA represents the community of campus-based fraternity and sorority advisors and is the leading voice in aligning the fraternity/sorority and higher education experiences. ### Download statement as PDF.

Boston, MA — NAPA is excited to announce the appointment of Mary Peterson as Administrative Consultant, a new position on the NAPA Executive Board and a milestone for the association as it embarks on a new stage of growth. In this role, Mary will provide guidance and administrative support to the NAPA Executive Board, support the planning of NAPA meetings, and interact with other national interfraternal umbrella councils and higher education associations on NAPA’s behalf. “Bringing Mary on board in an official capacity will allow us to provide better service to our member organizations,” said Hannah Seoh, NAPA Chair. “Mary’s support will also enable the Board to concentrate their efforts on thinking bigger and bolder to ultimately take NAPA to the next level.” Mary Peterson is one of a handful of individuals who was instrumental in the creation of NAPA in the mid-late 2000s. An experienced adviser to many fraternities and sororities across various councils, Mary has worked with several NAPA member organizations one-on-one and brings a wealth of expertise to NAPA’s Executive Board. “I am honored and humbled that NAPA has chosen me to aid them in their endeavors. NAPA organizations and its members are incredible organizations that are committed to making a difference in the lives of undergraduate students. I look forward to the great things we will accomplish.” The motion to add a new position to the Executive Board was presented at NAPA’s Annual Meeting last month in Boston. The addition of the new role, as well as the responsibilities for the Administrative Consultant, were voted and passed among NAPA’s 18 constituent organizations. According to NAPA Secretary Teri Chung, “With the newest addition to NAPA’s Executive Board, an Administrative Consultant will advance NAPA to new heights since its inception 10 years ago. This growth will foster collaboration and coalition-building between one another and with other organizations nationwide.” ### About NAPA The National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently comprises of 18 culturally-based member organizations. Contact Hannah Seoh, Chair National APIDA Panhellenic Association chair@napa-online.org http://napahq.org/

In the span of 2 weeks, over 60 active accounts collectively generated more than 1,000 photos that champion #NAPAUNITY in action. Looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays? Take part in our "12 Days of #NAPAUNITY" photo challenge! https://t.co/PyWNowtJ0j pic.twitter.com/eUYgG84uFX — NAPA (@NAPAHQ) December 12, 2016 NAPA thanks the following entities (headquarters, chapters, councils) for completing the “12 Days of NAPA Unity Photo Challenge” on social media: @akdphi_csusm • @alphaphigamma • @aphig_depaul • @aphig_lambdachapter • @arlington.akdphi • @betachitheta99 • @bing_depsi • @cornellakdphi • @cudphil • @dallasdkd • @deltaepsilonpsi • @deltakappadelta • @deltaphilambda • @deltaphiomega98 • @depsi_ae • @depsi_ai • @depsi_ak • @depsi_al • @depsi_alphadelta • @depsi_alphatheta • @depsi_kappa • @depsi_lambda • @depsi_theta • @depsitau • @dkd_beta • @dkdalpha • @dpo_gamma • @dpo_lambda • @dpo_phi • @dpo_tau • @dpo_xi • @dpu_lphie • @etasigsigrho • @gtmgc • @gtsigsigrho • @gwusigsigrho • @ind1994 • @kappaphigamma • @kpib_betachapter • @lambdaphiepsilon • @lucdphil • @lusigsigrho • @ncsulphie • @nevadakappas • @pialphaphi1929 • @rusigmasigmarho • @sdaphig • @sigmasigmarho • @sigmasigmarhopsu • @sigsigrho_erau • @sigsigrho_theta • @syracuselambdas • @syzxi • @texasdkd • @thejadetimes • @uabsigsigrho • @uncakdphi • @unccdphil • @usfkappas • @uvakdphi • @uwlambdas • @wichitachisigs In addition to photo uploads, organizations also shared video testimonies, animated GIFs, and curated memes that fit the daily theme of the photo challenge. NAPA recommends following their Instagram feeds to see more NAPA unity in 2017! [View the story “Celebrating #NAPAUNITY” on Storify]

Boston, MA—The 2016 NAPA Annual Meeting convened leadership from its 18 constituent organizations to advance fraternal policies and practices. Upon a unanimous vote from all 18 organizations, NAPA has updated its name to the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association. The term “Desi” references people of the Indian subcontinent or South Asia and their diaspora. While the NAPA acronym remains consistent, the acronym APIDA within N(A)PA reflects a cultural shift within higher education to acknowledge and recognize the Desi community within the larger racial categorizations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Nine out of 18, or half of the currently recognized NAPA organizations, were historically established as South Asian fraternities and sororities. Earlier this year, NAPA’s intentional appointment for a Project Lead on the Desi Workgroup sought to better understand the needs of historically South Asian fraternities and sororities. Bilal Badruddin, National President of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Project Lead for the NAPA Desi Workgroup, commends the decision. “I am elated that NAPA, which serves as an empowering voice to APIDA fraternities and sororities, has agreed that the representation of South Asian organizations is important and has created a space for the Desi narrative.” Toubee Yang, a professional campus-based fraternity and sorority adviser states, “It’s a symbolic move for NAPA at this time to acknowledge and include the Desi community in its name. Representation matters and this will speak volumes for every student who is seeking the Desi-Greek experience. It matters to our students to see themselves as part of our organizations and institutions, and it should matter to us as well,” says Yang. According to NAPA Chair Hannah Seoh, “There is still much work to be done to educate others on the heterogeneity of the Asian diaspora, but including Desi in our name is a meaningful notion we can support to get these conversations started.” Originally conceived as the National Asian Greek Council in 2005, the umbrella council’s latest update to its name demonstrates that NAPA has always strived to be the best advocate for its members. ### About NAPA The National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently comprises of 18 culturally-based member organizations.

Boston, MA—NAPA leadership attended the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors’ (AFA) Annual Meeting. NAPA hosted an open forum for campus-based professionals and volunteers during the conference, presented a research session on the current landscape of Asian American Greek Letter Organizations, and met with six different campuses during the Fireside Chats. “Great conversations were had with our campus partners and as always it was great to see old friends,” says Hannah Seoh, Chair of NAPA. Wonderful to present AAGLO research with @NAPAHQ team here at #afaam pic.twitter.com/hs12ls9WYR — Vigor Lam (@Veegorous) December 2, 2016 NAPA also hosted its own Annual Meeting in conjunction with AFA’s Annual Meeting in Boston Massachusetts on Saturday, December 3rd. A record attendance of over 70 members of NAPA-affiliated organizations filled the maximum occupancy of the room. Mary Peterson, Founding Advisor to NAPA, guided the meeting as the lead facilitator. Shelley Sutherland, former AFA President and longtime friend to NAPA, also joined in for part of the NAPA Annual Meeting. Discussion and best practices were shared around open expansion, chapter management, alumnae engagement, and board responsibility. Heroes. @NAPAHQ affiliated Student Affairs Professionals at the #NAPAAM in Boston! pic.twitter.com/meFf3qyZ2u — Toubee Yang, M.A. (@Toubee_Yang) December 4, 2016 Cole Hermida, Public Relations Chair of Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, found the event welcoming and inclusive for first-time attendees. According to Hermida, “It was really inspiring to see so many people in one room passionate about bettering their own organization and Greek life in general.” Veteran attendees shared similar positive sentiments about the day and indicated that they enjoyed the camaraderie and spirit of unity. They enjoyed the open dialogue with peers and wished for conversations to continue after the Annual Meeting. “Having diverse organizations share infrastructure and strategic procedures on how to tackle issues and roadblocks we currently have today are essential to our growth as we engage in solution in order to move forward and onward,” says Albert Chanthaboury, External Vice President of Chi Sigma Tau National Fraternity. Celebrating a decade of #NAPAunity at #NAPAAM! #AFAAM https://t.co/id1dMH44jA pic.twitter.com/dmMSj6gJuv — NAPA (@NAPAHQ) December 3, 2016 NAPA also built upon relationships with the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations and the National Multicultural Greek Council. NAPA co-hosted a Saturday night mixer for the three umbrella councils and met on Sunday morning to think through different ways the councils could partner throughout the year. Per NAPA Secretary Teri Chung, “Overall, it was a great weekend! The NAPA Board is encouraged, motivated, and excited for the year ahead!” Planning our first multicultural summit with @NationalMGC and @OfficialNALFO! #NAPAAM pic.twitter.com/f1p5XDQnJ6 — NAPA (@NAPAHQ) December 4, 2016

The National APIA Panhellenic Association is proud to partner with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) to #TakeAStand. Take A Stand is a call to action meant to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year. The current landscape of domestic violence in America is alarming. Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten. And according to the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, “21–55% of Asian women report experiencing intimate physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime.” By taking a stand, NAPA members remind the nation that there are still countless people—victims and survivors, their children and families, their friends and family, their communities—impacted by domestic violence. NAPA members, leaders, and supporters should not stop until society has zero tolerance for domestic violence and until all victims and survivors can be heard. As domestic violence has been a national agenda and social issue, NAPA is bringing awareness towards this matter. Domestic violence thrives when people do not speak out. Therefore, NAPA is organizing its own Week of Action alongside NCADV on social media to facilitate conversations about domestic violence to the greater community. Contact Seju Patel, Project Lead NAPA Domestic Violence Work Group domesticviolence@napa-online.org http://napahq.org/

The National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is proud to partner with the #IAmAsianAmerican project in their efforts to register 15,000 new voters in this historic election year. The project aims to hold ten days of voter registration in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., culminating in a concert and night market in each of those cities in celebration of the community’s efforts and accomplishments. NAPA is a coalition of 18 national Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) fraternities and sororities, representing over 512 undergraduate chapters nationwide, and thousands of active and alumni members. "A pan-ethnic coalition of over 30 Asian-American community organizations pledged today" https://t.co/4PiVtaQdd1 via @colorlines — IamAsianAmerican (@SoAsianAmerican) October 3, 2016 “NAPA was founded as a vehicle to leverage its dedicated membership to promote APIA civic engagement nearly a decade ago,” states NAPA Executive Chair Hannah Seoh, “and in keeping with this mission, we encourage all our affiliate members to volunteer and support the efforts of the ‘I am Asian American’ campaign around the country.” NAPA recognizes the pressing need to improve APIA voter turnout, which has proven its potential to be the swing vote in local and State elections. As the fastest growing community in the nation, APIA voters can secure a voice on the national stage for millions of underserved Americans and help them in achieving their American dream. Be the change u want to see. Asian American Movement is ON! 4 Concerts in 4 Cities same day OCT 16 Live Stream #IAMASIANAMERICAN #VOTE #AAPI pic.twitter.com/evQUZ9X3a5 — IamAsianAmerican (@SoAsianAmerican) September 24, 2016 ### [Download press release in PDF] Contact Rob Mady, Youth Vote Initiative youthvote@napa-online.org www.napahq.org www.IAmAsianAmerican.com

National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) 2016 kicks off today! In conjunction with NPC, NALFO, NIC, NPHC and HPO, NAPA is supporting NHPW through a social media campaign centered around the hashtag, #IBelieveinGreeks. HazingPrevention.Org™ will host a series of college screenings of the new feature film GOAT as part of its efforts to empower people to prevent hazing. Starring Nick Jonas, Ben Schnetzer and James Franco, and based on the memoir by Brad Land, GOAT tells the story of two brothers who become embroiled in hazing at a college fraternity. What occurs in the name of ‘brotherhood’ tests both boys and their relationship in brutal ways. Directed by Andrew Neel, the film received wide acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released in select theaters nationwide, on demand and digital HD on September 23rd by Paramount Home Media Distribution. GOAT offers a realistic and harrowing depiction of the sometimes devastating effects of hazing. Without painting anyone as ‘good’ or ‘evil,’ this well-crafted film gives us an excellent opportunity to open a discussion about the psychological and philosophical underpinnings that give rise to hazing and why it is so critical to prevent it. The GOAT educational program will coincide with National Hazing Prevention Week, which runs from September 19th through September 23rd. Each advance screening event will be accompanied by a thought-provoking, CAMPUSPEAK facilitator-lead discussion about the film and the impact of hazing on college campuses: University of Maryland – September 19th The College of William & Mary – September 20th University of Arizona – September 21st University of Central Florida – September 22nd University of California at Berkeley – September 23rd We are proud to partner with @CAMPUSPEAK on providing thought-provoking conversations about hazing during #NHPW16 pic.twitter.com/ckCzzdLejs — HazingPrevention.Org (@PreventHazing) August 31, 2016

NAPA, APIAVote, and Rock the Vote are teaming up to launch #PowerUp! The goal of the #PowerUp Campaign is to demonstrate the power of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) this election cycle. This is a nonpartisan effort focused on motivating young people to vote spans college campuses and local communities across the country. AAPI student networks are forming teams to see who can turn out the most voters. Throughout the campaign, they will be joined by celebrities and influencers! The teams consist of: Team Pearl: National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) Team Ruby: Midwest Asian American Student Union (MAASU) Team Gold: East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU) Team Jade: Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Student Association (ITASA) and the Union of North American Vietnamese Student Associations (UNAVSA) Each team receives points based on a conglomeration of different factors: Voter registration: 5 points Pledge to Rock the Vote: 3 points Posting on social media (with Hashtag Mentions) #PowerUp #TEAMNAME: 1 point Engaging with the challenge: varies in points The team with the most points by November 9, 2016 will be able to win one Grand Prize of having one APIAVote/Rock The Vote influencer attend one conference of the Winner’s choosing. More information and details will be made more available as information is released. Pledge to Rock the Vote this November by visiting NAPA’s team page with tools to get started: powerup16.com/pearl. AAPIs are the fastest growing population in the country, and the size of the AAPI electorate will double by 2040. Despite their growing political power, AAPI communities still have some of the lowest rates of voting in the country, particularly among young AAPIs. Now is the time to create a new, powerful generation of AAPI voters.

Photo: William Xu and Maui Orozco with Congresswoman Dr. Judy Chu (D-CA), the first Chinese American woman elected to U.S. Congress. Las Vegas, NV—This past August, NAPA engaged in a historical gathering of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA). Four U.S. presidential campaigns met representatives of APIA affinity groups from around the nation at the 2016 APIA Vote Presidential Townhall. The candidates and their political surrogates appealed to the gathering of APIA leaders for their support. Alpha Phi Gamma’s Maui Orozco, along with Pi Delta Psi’s Will Xu, represented the NAPA community at the public forum. The presidential candidates present, which included Jill Stein of the Green Party and Gary Johnson of the Libertarian party, sat down with NBC anchor Richard Lui to discuss salient topics ranging from immigration reform to national security. Gary Johnson was even quizzed on what “AAPI” stood for. President Bill Clinton took the stage for his partner and democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. He framed the racial and political plurality of our nation as a defining strength and advocated for unity amidst narratives of extreme divisiveness. Finally, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes addressed the crowd on behalf of Donald Trump. He leveraged his Filipino roots to discuss the conservative, hardworking values instilled in him by his immigrant parents, and how these values can help our community achieve a shared American dream. The town hall coincided with the Asian American Journalist Association and the National Asian American Association of Professionals Conventions, bringing together the largest gathering of Asian American professionals in recent memory. NAPA’s participation in the APIA Vote youth civic engagement training sessions opened future opportunities to expand coalitional programming efforts. Student leaders learned how to galvanize campus populations and utilize non-profit resources to improve “Get Out The Vote” campaigns across the country. With the NAPA logo projected on the backdrop as a supporting partner of the APIAVote Presidential Townhall, NAPA has now taken part in its fourth Presidential Town Hall, continuing its tradition of partnership with APIAVote that gave birth to NAPA over a decade ago. NAPA’s participation ensures a pipeline of leaders from Asian-interest fraternities and sororities to the public sector, exposing its membership to opportunities in non-traditional career paths where APIAs continue to be underrepresented. NAPA’s youth vote advocacy initiative maximizes exposure to the community it serves, combats existing stigmas of apolitical involvement, and forges crucial partnerships that will define NAPA a decade from now. NAPA engaged in a historical town hall gathering of four presidential campaigns with APIAVote. #NAPAunity A post shared by NAPAHQ (#NAPAUNITY) (@napahq) on Sep 5, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT