Hazing has no place in Sigma Phi Epsilon and yet it continues to be a real problem within our organization and so many others. Too many brothers are losing out on the opportunity to have a valuable SigEp experience because of hazing and the desire to hold onto traditions. There are too many reports in the media about fraternities hazing their members. Hazing is both illegal and immoral. Forty-four states currently have laws that criminalize hazing activities. Individuals who engage in hazing subject themselves to both criminal and civil liability.
Hazing is dishonorable to the values and principles upon which the Fraternity was founded. In most states, hazing is a crime. It is extremely harmful to Sigma Phi Epsilon’s reputation, and it is a real threat to our continued existence on college campuses. Hazing hinders the development of friendships based on true brotherhood.
Every brother is responsible to educate in a constructive and harmless way. Each and every brother must understand and take seriously their responsibility to see that hazing does not occur.
SigEp wants to lead the charge to eradicate hazing within all collegiate Greek–letter organizations. We promise that any brother who is found responsible for hazing other men will be held accountable for his actions. Individuals involved will face criminal and civil prosecution, expulsion, removal from school, financial hardship and loss of insurance coverage.
In August 2011, the National Board of Directors voted to support criminal prosecution of anyone hazing other brothers or new brothers.
Hazing is defined in the Statement on Chapter & Individual Responsibility as:
“Any action taken or situation created, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law or ritual, the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable local, state, or federal law."
We ask every brother to make a strong commitment to not haze anyone and to always stand up to anyone who wants to haze other brothers.
