After Federal Court Ruling, It’s Time For Harvard To Reconsider Its Misguided Attack On Student Rights
Dani Weatherford, CEO of the National Panhellenic Conference, Judson Horras, CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, and Francisco M. Lugo, President of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, released the following joint statement in response to Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton’s decision to reject Harvard’s motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging its policy of inflicting sanctions on students who are members of single-sex groups:
“This ruling reaffirms the fundamental truth about Harvard’s policy: that it makes obvious distinctions based on the gender of its students. And in turn, it violates students’ rights of free association.
Our hope is that Judge Gorton’s ruling can be a catalyst for Harvard to do the right thing and repeal its discriminatory policy. Moreover, we urge them to join us in productive dialogue about creating a healthy and inclusive community with single-sex organizations at Harvard, while preserving student rights.
Our aim has been, and always will be, to protect the rights of students at Harvard and on campuses nationwide. And while we would prefer to avoid continued litigation, we believe it is unmistakably clear that Harvard’s policy is not only discriminatory and gender-stereotyping but has uniquely decimated women’s spaces and women’s organizations at Harvard. We remain confident that the facts are on the side of the students we represent.”