Last November 20, 2018, an anonymous source posted unverified screenshots of an alleged conversation containing various slurs and highly offensive statements against different sectors including women, LG8TQ1A+, Lumads, and Muslims.
We the student members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi strongly condemn all acts of discrimination specially against these sectors. Many student leaders who are members of our Fraternity have time and again led and worked with organizations and individuals to fight for equality. We will continue to do so because this is what we stand for.
Unfortunately, these postings are being attributed to a few students who are members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi. The student members of the Fraternity take these accusations very seriously and will not tolerate members espousing such backward, misogynistic, and discriminatory views. In light of these recent events, we have conducted an initial investigation on the matter, and we will relay to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) all information at our disposal. We will unconditionally cooperate with the efforts of the OVCSA not only in gathering facts but in ensuring accountability consistent with the dictates of due process.
We sincerely empathize with everyone affected by the postings. This is why, during the conduct of the investigation, we appeal for sobriety. We wish not to further aggravate any harm that may have been caused by the postings.
It is unfortunate that the postings carne in the heels of our Fraternity's Centennial Anniversary last November 18. It appears that there is a concerted effort to besmirch the reputation of our Fraternity during this momentous celebration. In our 100 years of existence as the oldest fraternity in Asia, our members have fought hand in hand with UP students for the rights of women, LGBTQ1A+, Lumads, Muslims, and other oppressed sectors. The doctrines and principles we stand for, including our imperatives of leadership and service, impel us no less than to fight for these rights and not to contribute in any manner to hate and discrimination.
