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Groups pushback against bill to ban sororities, fraternities at Tennessee schools

In a joint statement, officials from six organizations say a bill sponsored by Rep. John DeBerry, D-Memphis, would "sever the partnership" between state universities and colleges and Greek Life organizations.

A host of organizations are joining forces to oppose a bill that would ban fraternities and sororities at Tennessee colleges and universities.

In a joint statement, officials from six organizations say a bill sponsored by Rep. John DeBerry, D-Memphis, would "sever the partnership" between state universities and colleges and Greek Life organizations.

Last week, DeBerry introduced HB 2042, which would prohibit fraternities and sororities "to associate with, or operate on the campus of, any state institution of higher education."

More: Bill would ban fraternities, sororities at Tennessee's state colleges and universities

The legislation, which is also sponsored by Sen. Reggie Tate, D-Memphis, would allow professional fraternities that promote "the interests of a particular profession" and honor societies.

The bill comes as fraternities and sororities around he country have come under fire while dealing with a series of high-profile hazing incidents.

"It is a misguided approach that...will not solve deeply-rooted campus culture issues and would likely make them worse," the organizations said in a statement Friday.

The group includes the National Panhellenic Conference, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, the National APIDA Panhellenic Association, the National Multicultural Greek Council, the North-American Interfraternity Conference and the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors

Calling on DeBerry to withdraw his legislation, the organizations say the measure would have a "chilling effect" on students' constitutional rights.

Judson Horras, who is the president and CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, said fraternities acknowledge the challenges facing colleges around the country but remain committed to working to improving the culture on campus.

Citing the legislature's 2016 measure to divert funding from the University of Tennessee's Office of Diversity, Virgor Lam, vice chair of the National APIDA Panhellenic Association, said Greek Life organizations provide a strong voice for Asian American identity.

Lynda Wiley, executive director of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, said eliminating Greek Life from public schools would be a disservice to students.

"Doing so does not solve systemic problems of alcohol abuse, sexual assault or hazing that occur within the college community or broader society," said Wiley.

On Friday, DeBerry said his bill is an effort to get sororities and fraternities to answer questions about "behavior that has been consistent and constant."

"The old Animal House mentality and that culture and that imagery, it has to go away," he said. "It's not cute anymore and it most certainly is not acceptable anymore."

DeBerry called his legislation a "shot across the bow" in an effort to bring more accountability and transparency among sororities and fraternities at state schools.

As of publication, the bill has yet to assigned to committees in the House and Senate.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.

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