There are many reasons organizations prioritize Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. For us, at AKPsi, it’s dually important.

First, it’s important that AKPsi is committed to being an inclusive organization internally, in all aspects of our Student & Alumni Chapters, our Volunteer Teams, and our Staff. We know that having diverse perspectives in and across our organization will help us see the world of business in ways we might not see on our own, solve complex problems, and reach diverse communities. For this reason, we’ve named our program, “Belonging in Business.” No matter where you live, where you go to school, what company you work for, or even what major you choose (not everyone is a business major!), we want our members to have a sense of belonging in our organization. We work hard to be a part of AKPsi, and we want to ensure that belonging lasts for a lifetime.

Second, as the premier developer of principled business leaders, it is vital that we all develop competency in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. As we learn about inclusive leadership within AKPsi, we become capable of applying that knowledge as we live and work in “the real world.” The focus on inclusion in business will never go away, as being inclusive requires ongoing intentionality. If any one of us overlooks the importance of “Belonging in Business” we risk failing our colleagues, employees, and our consumers. Understanding how we’re all different, only makes us better when we manage and build inclusive teams, whether you’re working for a large company or running your own business.

Throughout our history, AKPsi has adapted and evolved, while always aspiring to live up to our organizational values.

In the spring of 2020, several racists incidents, including the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, led to many protests throughout the US and the world. Many of the emotions concerning these incidents – sadness, frustration, hopelessness, and anger – have been felt throughout our membership and in our wider communities. Words will not and cannot reconcile these emotions, but as a way to continue the conversation and to affirm Alpha Kappa Psi’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, within our brotherhood, we affirm the fraternity’s support of the Black community. We also stand firm against systems that marginalize people. In particular, we stand firm against a system and culture perpetuating violence against Black people.

We stand in solidarity against injustice, racism, and violence at all times. We must acknowledge and respond to the negative effects which injustice, racism and violence have on our organization, on our brothers, on our families, and on society as a whole. In AKPsi, we aspire to be principled business leaders through shared values. In order to be true to those values – brotherhood, integrity, unity, knowledge, service – we will continue to evolve as an organization in our practices, policies, and programs.

Declaration

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices are a vital component of optimal business outcomes in addition to being the right thing to do. In order to be the premier developer of principled business leaders, Alpha Kappa Psi must include awareness, understanding, training, and practice of DEI as critical parts of our work. Each of us has an important role to play in creating a more vibrant, equitable, diverse, and inclusive AKPsi. DEI is not a program, audit, or one time activity, it is a way of life, infused into all facets of our organization at every level. We are committed to aligning our organization top to bottom with DEI best practices and ensuring a culture in which our differences are valued, appreciated, and celebrated. In the true definition and spirit of inclusion, when all can show up as their true authentic selves and contribute, the bonds of our Brotherhood are strengthened.

Commitment

As an organization, we make a commitment to raising awareness and training of DEI for students, alumni, volunteers, donors, and staff. With this commitment comes dedication to evaluating governing documents, policies, procedures, programs, communication, awards, recognition, relationships, and more, and making necessary changes to better reflect an inclusive and diverse organization in culture and execution. We do so with a lens of understanding our past, acknowledging our present, and aspiring for a better future. Alpha Kappa Psi will train business leaders with a strong commitment to DEI in order to make a positive difference in organizations worldwide, regardless of size or structure.