Uncertainty lies in future of fraternity

Members of Alpha Iota Omega Christian fraternity remain optimistic that they will reach an agreement with the University and once again receive official recognition.

Following Wednesday’s court ruling that urged lawyers representing both parties to reach a compromise regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policy, AIO members said they hope to find a conclusion to their saga.

“We should be able to reach some kind of compromise which preserves the University’s commitment to diversity and fully protects the students’ First Amendment rights,” said Jordan Lorence, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, the Christian legal group representing AIO.

“Universities house the next generation of American leaders. I want them raised with a concept of respecting First Amendment rights.”

Members of the fraternity refused to sign the nondiscrimination policy required of all campus student organizations that receive recognition, which opens doors to funding and use of campus facilities.

Until the case appeared in federal court Wednesday, UNC has maintained that the policy helps protect students from discrimination.

“The University tries to be as open a community as possible,” said Leslie Strohm, general counsel for UNC, during Wednesday’s hearing.

University officials have been instructed not to make comments while the case is in court.

Lorence said the new policy needs to consider past interpretations and to make clear that groups can restrict membership based on interest in subject matter and can require members to pass an objective test.

Tremayne Manson, president of the fraternity’s board of directors, said AIO’s mission makes it necessary to restrict membership to those who agree with the group’s beliefs.

“To carry out the ideals of Christianity and spread those ideals, then you have to limit your membership to those who believe those ideals,” he said.

Beliefs are used as a condition for membership to the UNC College Republicans and the UNC Young Democrats, AIO lawyers told the judge Wednesday.

College Republicans requires members to be registered Republicans. Its constitution states that officers can be impeached if they have “demonstrated disloyalty to the Republican Party.”

But Young Democrats has no such restriction, said Justin Guillory, former co-president of Young Democrats. “I don’t think you should need to be a registered Democrat or a registered Republican to join a political organization.”

Several siding with the fraternity have said they expect the outcome of the case to open a door of opportunity for similar organizations.

Jonathan Park, AIO vice president, said other schools will be affected by the court’s decision. “It will definitely set a precedent to other universities with the same problem.”

University Editor Emily Steel contributed to this article.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.