Delta Sigma Theta issues direct response to former members denouncing the organization

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has issued a statement about former members publicly denouncing the organization via their social media platforms.

The statement from International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes says:

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s membership continues to grow, with thousands joining our cherished sisterhood each year, energized by our mission and inspired by 111 years of impact in communities across the nation and around the globe. While social media tends to magnify outliers, individuals choosing to withdraw represent less than 1% of our membership.

We accept the decision of those who choose to withdraw their membership – we wish former members peace and clarity. However, there is a documented process for withdrawal from the Sorority, adopted at our 56th National Convention in 2023.

Individuals who fail to adhere to the protocols outlined in our Constitution and Bylaws will be summarily expelled and subject to civil legal action by the Sorority for violating our intellectual property.

Delta's strength lies in its members! Among us are trailblazers, including respected theologians, trusted community leaders, and changemakers in collegiate chapters and beyond.

We also stand united with our D9 brothers and sisters as we advance our missions as stewards of the Black community, protectors of our democracy, and beacons of cultural pride. In this consequential election year, we cannot afford to be distracted from our important agenda – too much is at stake.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has 350,000 initiated members and more than 1,050 chapters across the United States and internationally, including in the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Virgin Islands.

Let’s continue to move forward with fortitude!”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University on Jan. 13, 1913. Per the statement from President Holmes, the organization boasts 350,000 members.

The statement comes after several former members have taken to social media and video-sharing outlets to denounce the organization. Last month, Howard University student Zora Sanders went viral for her denouncement of the organization. Sanders, a Pre-Law Political Science and History double major, took to Instagram to post a detailed letter explaining her decision.

“Before I was invited to join the organization, despite all the research and information I had gathered, I was not aware of the specific requirements needed to become an official member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,” Sanders wrote.

“As I detail these requirements, I want to emphasize that they were my non-negotiables from the beginning and that while I did initially compromise on them, this is not something I am willing to continue compromising on under any circumstances.”

The letter goes on to state that her decision to denounce the sorority is driven by her religious convictions. “This conviction has been placed within me by the Holy Spirit, and I must obey,” she asserted. “Please inform me of the next steps or any paperwork necessary for me to be formally removed from the organization.

“This letter constitutes my official letter of denouncement. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for honoring my final decision.”