Greek for discrimination: an adviser for gay fraternity Delta Lambda Phi--recently rejected for membership at Kent State--talks about homophobia on campus. (Behind the Headlines).

It's no secret that the brotherly spirit of college fraternities rarely extends to gay members. On April 22, Kent State University's Inter-Fraternity Council, which oversees and sets policy for all fraternal organizations on the campus, voted to deny Delta Lambda Phi, a gay fraternity with 24 chapters nationwide, a seat on the council. The fraternity fell far short of the two-thirds majority needed for admission, with only four of the 15 members voting in favor. University officials surprised many on campus by directing the council to reconsider its vote, but a week later the group failed to gain additional votes. For a fraternity to be recognized at Kent State, ultimately it must have the council's endorsement. Now with its survival at stake, the fraternity plans to continue its efforts. Gay activist Eric Van Sant, who is the chapter's founder and current adviser, spoke with The Advocate about the setback and prospects for the fraternity's future.

What is Kent State's Delta Lambda Phi?

We're a fraternity of 18 gay students and alumni of Kent State University. Together we're a diverse group of young men with a common purpose: making Kent State a welcoming place for gays, bisexuals, and progressive men.

We came together as a fraternity about 18 months ago and have spent much of that time cultivating relationships with other fraternities in hopes of gaining full fraternal acceptance at the university.

Why is admission to the Inter-Fraternity Council important?

Well, first, Kent State requires that all fraternities join the council to be a recognized organization. Without the IFC endorsement, the university could pull its recognition of our charter. But most important, we hoped to gain the respect and the recognition of our brothers. We really want to put a human face to gays and make it comfortable for closeted gays in other fraternities to feel better about coming out. It is also an opportunity to help shape how gays are perceived and treated on campus.

Why do you think the council didn't admit Delta Lambda Phi?

Being gay should never have been an issue, but, unfortunately, it did become one. But the board members who voted against us are staying clear of the issue. It's like they're in lockdown and are not going to say anything about it.

Did the decision surprise you?

The first vote was actually held on April 22, my 30th birthday. I thought for sure I was going to receive the best birthday present of my life. All of us had worked so hard to get the fraternity off the ground. Needless to say, the day ended up being one of the saddest. The decision is really incomprehensible to me. All along, the council members gave us the indication that we were a shoo-in. But when it came time to cast their votes, the members weakened.

What's the mood like around campus?

A good number of people have been very vocal in declaring their support. We've also received calls from the faculty [expressing] their support. But we've also heard talk that admitting the group was the council's choice and they support the decision. Those comments are hard to hear.

Now that the council has decided, what do you plan to do?

We'll keep trying. We'll lobby the university, we'll keep in front of all the other fraternities until we're successful. We're also pushing the university to investigate the IFC. This means too much to us to let it end.

Homophobic incidents are pretty common on college campuses. How are gay fraternities important in gaining acceptance for gays at school?

The Greek fraternal system is the last bastion of antigay policies. Fraternities are not openly violating gay rights, but it's definitely an old boys' club. I hope our efforts will encourage many others to take on [Greek] systems at other universities. I'd love for Delta Lambda Phi to be just another frat house.