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Congress
Greeks in the 118th Congress
Welcome to the latest feature on the FSPAC website—a comprehensive page dedicated to showing the Greek affiliations of members of Congress.
Protecting Freedom of Association Rights
Freedom of Association is of paramount importance for Greek organizations and its members.
Freedom of Association is of paramount importance for Greek organizations and its members. Without the right to associate with a single-sex organization, students would be unable to benefit from the numerous opportunities and experiences that fraternity and sorority life provides. FSPAC supports both the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act (H.R. 2451) and the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act (H.R. 1626) to protect association rights of over 400,000 Greek college students nationally.
Tax Disparity Leaves Fraternities & Sororities at a Disadvantage
Since 2003, FSPAC has championed the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) (H.R. 2662 / S. 1420). CHIA allows 501(c)(3) organizations, like fraternities and sororities, to use tax-deductible donations to build and maintain student housing in the same manner as properties owned and operated by universities. Currently, the tax code only allows colleges and universities to use deductible donations for student housing improvements. This disparity leaves fraternities and sororities at a disadvantage in providing the best quality living experience for its members.
Working to End Hazing in All Forms
As members of the Greek community, we are committed to being part of the solution and ending hazing in all forms. This commitment includes advocating for legislation on the state and federal level as well as supporting the Anti-Hazing Coalition’s mission. Students and alumni spoke to congressional offices in April during the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Hill Day about hazing prevention legislation that is in the process of being introduced for this Congress.
Recruiting More Champions
Getting legislation passed by Congress and enacted into law is a challenging task. The federal law-making process requires time, resources, and a lot of patience. In the 117th Congress, for example, less than nine percent of the 18,000 bills and resolutions introduced became law. While only a small amount of legislation makes it across the finish line, having members of Congress familiar with your issues and willing to champion them on your behalf increases the chances of passage.
Fraternity & Sorority Leaders Take to Congress
On April 19, 53 students and dozens of Greek alumni descended on Washington, D.C. for the annual Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Hill visits. FSPAC joins forces with leaders from the North American Interfraternity Conference, the National Panhellenic Conference and the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund each year to lobby for congressional support on key issues for Greek organizations. This year, the event focused on increasing awareness in three key areas: freedom of association, stricter anti-hazing laws, and improving collegiate housing.
A Message from FSPAC President Tom Decker
Your passion for defending and enhancing the fraternal experience is deeply appreciated. Your unwavering commitment to FSPAC helps ensure that Greek organizations remain vibrant and that freedom of association rights, deterrents to hazing, and access to safe and affordable housing are available to all our young men and women in college today.