"We, the members of the Delta Chi Fraternity, believing that great advantages are to be derived from a brotherhood of college and university men, appreciating that close association may promote friendship, develop character, advance justice, and assist in the acquisition of a sound education, do ordain and establish this Constitution."
What initially began as a challenge to the dominance of one fraternity at the law school of Cornell University, soon shaped itself into the desire to form a brotherhood embodied by the reasons stated in the Preamble above. Delta Chi, the second law fraternity established at Cornell, recognizes Albert Sullard Barnes, Myron McKee Crandall, John Milton Gorham, Peter Schermerhorn Johnson, Edward Richard O'Malley, Owen Lincoln Potter, Alphonse Derwin Stillman, Thomas A.J. Sullivan, Monroe Marsh Sweetland, Thomas David Watkins, and Frederick Moore Whitney as its founders.
With Delta Chi established on October 13, 1890, the ritual was adapted within a month but the emblem underwent a series of changes within the next nine years, resulting in the coat of arms. The design involved the union of two families: that of Sir Edward Coke, the spiritual founder of Delta Chi who was a major influence in establishing law as the instrument of justice, and the knight-errant, the feudal predecessor of law in enforcing justice.
What began as a law fraternity, Delta Chi officially opened itself to general membership in 1922, after years of debate. By this time, the fraternity had expanded to many chapters across the country.
As of 2009, Delta Chi has expanded to over 100,000 initiated members and over 130 chapters and colonies. The Fraternity continues to grow as a shining exemplar of the Greek system.
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Delta Chi strives to be the best of the best, and in that process, all brothers stay true to the calling and uphold the values set forth in...
The 10 Basic Expectations of a Delta Chi
- I will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
- I will respect the dignity and worth of all persons. I will not physically, mentally, psychologically or sexually abuse or haze any human being.
- I will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
- I will respect my property and the property of others; therefore, I will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.
- I will meet my financial obligations in a timely manner.
- I will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; I will neither abuse nor support the abuse of alcohol.
- I will acknowledge that a clean and attractive environment is essential to both physical and mental health; therefore, I will do all in my power to see that the chapter property is safe, properly cleaned and maintained.
- I will know and understand the ideals expressed in my fraternity Ritual and will incorporate them into my daily life.
- I will exercise compassion and understanding in dealing with all persons.
- I will challenge all my fraternity members to abide by these fraternity obligations and will confront those who violate them.
