
05-05-2005, 08:56 PM
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Sigma Chi Supports Florida Anti-Hazing Legislation
Sigma Chi Supports Florida Anti-Hazing Legislation
Quote:
Evanston, Ill. The Sigma Chi Fraternity announced Thursday that it supports Florida legislation that would make hazing a state crime. The Chad Meredith Act passed last month in the Florida House of Representatives with a vote of 115-1 and is set to be heard in the Senate this week.
If enacted, the act will criminalize hazing activities that result in serious bodily injury. Offenses could result in prison sentences of up to five years. The legislation focuses on a variety of organizations, including athletic teams, marching bands, fraternities and sororities, along with other extracurricular activities that are recognized by public colleges and high schools for the enhancement of student achievement. If passed, the new state law will be the toughest anti-hazing legislation in the United States.
“The legislation takes the same zero-tolerance approach to hazing that Sigma Chi announced when we unveiled our own anti-hazing policy on February 1, 2005,” said Sigma Chi International President Lee Beauchamp. “We support all efforts to end hazing that demeans or physically threatens any individual. While hazing has been characterized as a tradition by critics of fraternities, we believe there are better ways to instill a sense of brotherhood within our organization. We fully support the Florida legislation.”
The Sigma Chi Fraternity was founded on the ideals of friendship, justice and learning at Miami University (Ohio) in 1855. Its mission has been to be a values-based organization that stresses the character development of each member. There are currently 217 undergraduate Sigma Chi chapters and 140 Sigma Chi alumni groups across North America.
© 2005, Sigma Chi International Headquarters
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