Contact: Anthony J. Pérez
Email: Anthony.Perez@
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Parsippany, NJ, May 4, 2010, – Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated, the first and largest Latino fraternity founded in the United States, and the Lambda Theta Phi Foundation, speak out against Senate Bill 1070 signed by Governor Jan Brewer 2 weeks in Arizona.
Lambda Theta Phi is concerned that Arizona’s SB-1070 violates the supremacy clause of the United States Constitution by permitting untrained local police to assume responsibilities that pertain to the federal government. At the same time, it fears that the bill will lead to the racial profiling of all Latinos and other immigrant groups that lawfully reside in the state. Lastly, Lambda Theta Phi believes the bill will contribute to an anti-Latino and immigrant sentiment, which has the potential to fuel violence against the Latino community. It is saddened that Governor Brewer signed a bill that diminishes the progress made in the United States since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
Representatives of Lambda Theta Phi were scheduled to attend the Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) and the National Association of Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) conferences in Phoenix, Arizona later this year. As a result of the state’s actions Lambda Theta Phi will not send delegates to either meeting, will boycott any national events within the State of Arizona, and calls for both organizations to relocate their meetings. Moreover, the Fraternity has ceased plans and considerations of hosting its 2011 National Brotherhood Conference, and any future events, in Arizona.
Lambda Theta Phi asks that other members of the Greek community unite and take a similar stance on this infringement of civil rights and liberties.
Founded in 1975 at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. is the first and largest nationally recognized Greek-letter organization founded as a Latin Fraternity. The membership of Lambda Theta Phi is open to all college men who support its values of scholarship, respect for all culture, community service, and the advancement and fair treatment of Latinos. Lambda Theta Phi was the first Latin Fraternity to be recognized by the North-American Inter-Fraternity Conference (NIC), is a member of NALFO, and has over 100 entities around the United States. More information about Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. can be found on www.Lambda1975.
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