Out on Rugby, a group for gay, bisexual and progressive men that is seeking status as a fraternity, will have to wait at least another month before it is given an official decision, the Multicultural Greek Council determined last night.
OOR, which currently maintains CIO status, wants to establish a chapter of Delta Lambda Phi, the national gay fraternity, at the University through the MGC. It presented its official proposal to the MGC Feb. 10.
In a statement released last night, the MGC said it will extend the probationary period of OOR. They added they need more time to address all of the issues satisfactorily.
MGC members said they are concerned because Delta Lambda Phi nationals require a potential chapter to include a minimum of eight members, and to date OOR only has six.
OOR President Anthony Whitten said prior to the decision that they are currently in the midst of the rush process and they hope to double their numbers. No one from Out on Rugby could be reached for comment after the decision was made.
OOR first appeared on Grounds in April, founded by University students Mike Maszaros, Luke Ward and Whitten.
At the end of spring semester, OOR proposed to the MGC that it bring a national gay fraternity to the University.
OOR began its probationary period in August and for four months acted as a fraternity. The period was dedicated to researching and investigating which fraternity would best fit the group, Whitten said.
According to Aaron Laushway, associate dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life, new Greek organizations must contribute to the governing council of the MGC as well as the University at large by offering something not already available to students.
OOR sought to meet that charge by participating in unique service projects over the last four months, Whitten said.
During the fall, the members of OOR worked with the Charlottesville AIDS/HIV Service Group. The men acted as peer health educators and also participated in the service group's Thanksgiving Needs program.
In October, OOR hosted an event for the Serpentine Society, a group for gay and lesbian alumni of the University.
Before presenting its proposal to the MGC, OOR was required to meet with the Greek Coordinating Committee, made up of Laushway, Kyle Evans, chairman for membership intake of the IFC and MGC Liaison Karen Yeung.
"Clearly OOR filled all expectations during their probationary period, they made a strong argument to the probationary committee and we unanimously agreed to allow them to present to the MGC," Laushway said.
Read More
Previewing the September meeting of the Board of Visitors
By Grace Little | 20 hours agoAll meetings will be held on Grounds with the exception of the Health System Board, which will meet at Boar’s Head Resort.
Honor Committee talks providing greater clarity for students navigating the case process
By Nicolas Biernacki and Bertie Azqueta | 22 hours agoThe Committee will reconvene Sunday for their third meeting of the semester.
Va. Senate Democrats ask that Youngkin ceases making appointments to the Board
By Nina Broderick | YesterdayThe Committee’s vote rejected James Donovan, John Harris, H. Eugene Lockhart and Calvert Saunders Moore.
