Editing Lambda Chi Alpha (section)

== Membership ==
Beginning in August 1969, the concept of fraternity education replaced pledge education at Lambda Chi Alpha.<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), p. 147. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> The fraternity education program was designed to integrate all new members into the chapter equally.<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), pp. 19–20. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>

In 1972, Lambda Chi Alpha officially abolished the pledge process and replaced it with associate membership. Associate members in Lambda Chi Alpha to this day have all of the same rights as initiated brothers, can hold officer positions, wear the letters, and can vote on all issues except for those involving Lambda Chi's [[initiation]] ritual. Status as an associate member permits new members to enter the fraternity with respect, and helps to combat the issues that arise from the possible abuse of pledges. Lambda Chi Alpha was the first fraternal organization to abolish pledging.