Elimination of Prejudice Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to improving society by nurturing civil discourse, seeking common ground and eliminating prejudice. The foundation collaborates with aligned partner organizations and individuals and focuses its efforts and programs in university communities.
Mission/Vision/Values
Our Vision: A society where appreciation of and respect for differences creates better understanding among people.
Our Mission: A movement dedicated to nurturing civil discourse, establishing common ground and eliminating prejudice.
Our Values: J-U-S-T-I-C-E is essential to the Elimination of Prejudice.
Justice
Understanding
Sincerity
Tact
Impartiality
Compassion
Equality
HISTORY
Elimination of Prejudice Foundation, designated as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the IRS on Dec. 2, 2015, and launched as an operating entity in 2017, traces its roots to Yale University in 1895 when Pi Lambda Phi became the nation’s first non-sectarian fraternity, admitting members based solely on their character and personal qualities, without regard to their race or religion.
Eliminating prejudice has been the core principle of the fraternity for nearly 125 years. However, as a gender exclusive membership organization, the fraternity concluded that the Elimination of Prejudice movement could earn wider support, achieve greater success and have broader impact if it were run by a separate non-profit -- independent of the male-only fraternity.
With approval of the fraternity’s International Executive Council and with seed money raised through the Pi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation, the responsibility, authority and licensing rights for the Elimination of Prejudice movement were granted to the new Elimination of Prejudice Foundation once its non-profit status and governance structure were fully in place.
Though some of the 19th Century language is unusual by today’s standards, The Creed of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity was a courageous, extraordinary statement when written more than a century ago. The essence of the creed remains relevant today as both Pi Lambda Phi and Elimination of Prejudice Foundation envision a society where appreciation of and respect for differences creates better understanding among people.
The Creed of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity
That all men are created free and equal.
That no society of men can flourish unless members of that society are endowed with the opportunities and privileges of freedom.
That freedom implies the elimination of prejudice. That the elimination of prejudice means a better understanding 'twixt men.
That it is incumbent upon me to fight for such freedom, even with my life.
That it is incumbent upon me, in my personal life, to be devoted to the highest standards of honesty and justice.
That because my country is dedicated to the highest standards of freedom and justice for all men of all creeds, I hereby pledge allegiance to my country, and to its national symbol.
GOVERNANCE
Elimination of Prejudice Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The foundation was legally structured and officially established by a temporary board of founding directors, appointed by Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and Pi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation.
Elimination of Prejudice Foundation is run in conformance with its bylaws and articles of incorporation, as written and adopted by the founding directors.
DIRECTORS
Dave Fechtman (Chair of the Board)
Jeremy Short
Brendan Sorg
Michelle Martin Bonner
Kenny Summers
Kimberly Chapmon-Wynne
Heather Steranka
Mauricio Velasquez
Charmaine Rice
Gary Sanders
Young Professionals Advisory Board
Staff and Consultants
Matt Jensen Marketing www.mattjensenmarketing.com
Sumption & Wyland www.sumptionandwyland.com
Woltman Group CPAs www.woltmangroup.com
Founding Directors, 2015-2016
Jeffrey Buhler
Jonathan Campbell
John Marsh
Christopher Luman
J. Timothy Riker
W. Samuel Sadler
Shawn Upchurch