The Syrens, Dickinson’s all-female acapella group, has formally updated their membership criteria from all-female to all-female-identifying students.

According to Syrens President Valerie Weiner ’17, the group expressed no concern over how this change might affect their practice and performance.

“The main outcome of this change is that our group and our selection process has become less exclusive and more aware of people’s identities,” Weiner stated. She says the group made the decision to change their membership criteria “with the hopes of creating a supportive and empowering environment.”

The decision comes following increased discussion about inclusivity among acapella groups on campus, said Caroline Gabriele ’18, a Syrens member.

“There have been discussions in the past of whether or not acapella groups in general at Dickinson were too exclusive. Although we [the Syrens] are a talent based organization… we wanted to ensure that any female-identifying Dickinsonians would feel welcome and comfortable trying out,” said Gabriele. She feels the change will make the group “more amazing than ever.”

Other members are also excited about the change.

“I want anyone to feel like they can be included in the Syrens!” said Ingrid Brandt ’18.

The change has also influenced other acapella groups to change their membership criteria. The Octals, an all-male group, has also voted unanimously to consider all-male-identifying students for membership.

Octals president, Christopher Guy ’17, was reached for comment on Wednesday Sept. 21 and brought the issue to the group that night, when members unanimously approved an amendment to accept all male-identifying individuals at auditions.

“We want the Octals to be an open, accepting and diverse group that reflects the continuing acceptance of gender fluidity, as well as uphold the college’s commitment to social justice,” Guy said. “Our performances can only be improved by broadening the range and sound of our voices, and we look forward to the breadth of vocal capabilities this amendment will bring to the group,” he maintained.

“I applaud the Syrens and the Octals for making this change in their constitutions and am proud of our students for signaling that their organizations are inclusive and welcoming,” Erica Gordon, director of LGBTQ Services, said. The changes within campus groups reflect developing conversations surrounding gender equality, says Gordon. “At Dickinson, trans students and their allies continue to advocate and fight for institutional acceptance, which requires us to scrutinize and revise not only our policies and procedures, but also our own prejudices. The Trans Advocacy Committee, a group established by the Office of LGBTQ Services, has already started to inventory what is happening on our campus in an effort to create a more inclusive and welcoming campus for everyone to live and thrive.”

The week of Oct. 26-30 is Campus Inclusion Week, which was organized to promote inclusivity of all groups. For more information about gender inclusivity, visit the Office of LGBTQ Services located in Landis House.