Sigma Chi Fraternity - No Tolerance Policy On Hazing Announced

[TSteven]

NO TOLERANCE POLICY ON HAZING ANNOUNCED

Grand Consul Lee Beauchamp made an address via phone to more than 1,200 Sigma Chi undergraduates, volunteers, and alumni on January 31, 2005, announcing the Fraternity’s new zero tolerance policy on hazing. Beauchamp outlined the policy and encouraged all Sigma Chis to take action to end hazing in the Fraternity.

© 2004, Sigma Chi International Headquarters

[TSteven]

BEAUCHAMP NO HAZING CALL

Excerpts from the Grand Consul's Jan. 31, 2005 Address

On Jan. 31, Grand Consul Lee Beauchamp, Texas A&M-College Station 1975, introduced Sigma Chi’s new zero tolerance policy regarding hazing to more than 1,200 Sigma Chis in a Fraternity-wide conference call. The following is an excerpt of his address.

Last fall, we all heard about several tragedies involving hazing and alcohol abuse at fraternity chapter houses across the United States. Sigma Chi suffered the tragic loss of Blake Adam Hammontree, an Oklahoma University pledge. He died from alcohol poisoning following a pledge event. A pledge of the Chi Psi Fraternity, Lynn Gordan Bailey Jr., died from an alcohol overdose, which was apparently tied to an initiation ritual. And at Colorado State University, sophomore Samantha Spady was found dead in a Sigma Pi chapter house the morning after a party. She’d had at least 30 drinks.

Then there are the Sigma Chi hazing incidents you probably did not hear about. At our University of Texas-Austin chapter, some of our own brothers forced pledges to ingest substances, participate in calisthenics and engage in personal servitude, and to participate in paddle swats and kidnapping exercises. They also confined new members in a crawl space. At our SUNY–Oswego chapter, brothers required pledges to do calisthenics, personal servitude and paddling. At our Arizona chapter, brothers locked pledges in a walk-in freezer, causing them to suffer from hypothermia and vomiting.

And just a week ago, a pledge at our California State University-Chico chapter was rushed to the hospital from the chapter house. Doctors found his blood alcohol level was 0.496—six times the legal limit. Authorities said he would have died had he not gotten medical attention when he did.

Everyone on this call knows by now how Sigma Chi feels about these problems. Alcohol abuse is wrong. Hazing is wrong. And combining the two usually makes for dangerous circumstances that can kill people and ruin lives.

After the senseless death of Blake Hammontree, Sigma Chi vowed to do everything possible to make sure we never experience such a tragedy again. Since then, Sigma Chi has looked for ways to attack both alcohol abuse and hazing, and to end the senseless cruelty a handful of our members commit in the name of tradition.

On Jan. 31, I announced a zero-tolerance policy for the Fraternity. Sigma Chi will tolerate absolutely no hazing, alcohol abuse or substance abuse.

We must ensure that all brothers enjoy a fulfilling and productive membership in Sigma Chi. This policy reflects the expectations set forth by The Jordan Standard and the principles and values that guide our Fraternity. It builds on our belief that Sigma Chis become the best men we can be through membership and brotherhood.

True brotherhood cannot grow from physical or mental abuse. I know that hazing has been a so-called tradition in some chapters. And these so-called traditions have gotten out of control—to the extent that people are dying or going to the hospital. We must change as an organization. We must abandon stupid and dangerous behavior. We need to build new traditions for our Fraternity—traditions that bring us together to share experiences, not to inflict pain or discomfort.

So, then, what is hazing? Our new definition is simple: Hazing is an act performed by an undergraduate member, alumnus or pledge that results in an environment of servitude or in any way endangers or demeans any Sigma Chi or pledge member, regardless of that person’s willingness to participate in the act.

Those needing more guidance in making the distinction should ask themselves whether what they’re doing singles someone out for unusual treatment—then, whether or not they’d be proud to talk about the activity with their family, their professors or the police.

To help diminish the potential for hazing, Sigma Chi has been working toward reducing the duration of the pledge program. Our goal is to shorten the period to eight weeks, based on the Fraternity’s current Preparation for Brotherhood series. While we believe that eight-week programs are ideal for the learning experience within Sigma Chi, we also understand that many chapters have strong and wonderful programs that last longer. For that reason, we will allow longer pledge programs with Grand Praetor approval. I do stress that this will be the exception to the rule.

Following the Jan. 31 announcement, all undergraduate chapters received a copy of the Fraternity’s policies and an explanation of how the Fraternity will enforce them. This did not include a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Sigma Chi does not intend to write a checklist of approved or unapproved activities. We expect our chapters to know the difference between right and wrong.

It is not our goal to punish chapters. Rather, we want to help chapters change their behaviors to align with Sigma Chi’s commitment to character-in-action. The new policies will work only if there is trust between the Fraternity and its chapter members. We expect chapters to seriously review their own activities to end hazing and alcohol violations. Sigma Chi’s goal is to work with the chapters to define new and better standards of behavior. This must be a collaborative effort.

We expect all brothers will support our efforts to keep Sigma Chi the kind of fraternity we can all be proud of—today and in the future. The changes we introduced will not eliminate traditions. But they will eliminate stupid actions that are solely designed to embarrass our brothers or put them at needless risk.

Brothers, I ask that you help us create new traditions that reflect the realities that we all face today. And that you work with us to make Sigma Chi stronger in our second 150 years. We are confident that your support will help Sigma Chi continue to flourish and grow.

© 2004, Sigma Chi International Headquarters

[TSteven]

OUTLINE OF NO TOLERANCE POLICY ON HAZING

Step One: If a chapter member suspects a willful violation of our policies, he should contact a Sigma Chi officer immediately by placing a call to (847) 869-3655 to share the information. If you are more comfortable writing, send a letter to Sigma Chi Headquarters, c/o Jory Taylor, at 1714 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201.

Sigma Chi expects alumni, university officials, parents and other credible sources to be our partners by sharing information about violations with us. Credible sources may be anonymous, so long as the circumstances surrounding the allegations are deemed reliable.

Step Two: Once a complaint has been filed, Sigma Chi’s director of chapter development will send the chapter a letter via certified mail. The chapter will be required to submit a written response to the allegations within seven days. This response will be distributed to the Chapter Review Subcommittee (CRSC), Grand Trustee, Grand Praetor, chapter advisor, house corporation president, Executive Secretary, Leadership Consultant and when appropriate, the Greek advisor.

If the chapter fails to respond to the letter within seven days, it waives its right to respond to the allegations. Sigma Chi will take any other investigative steps deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

Step Three: After receiving the chapter’s written response, Sigma Chi will work with the Grand Praetor to review the document and consider whether any disciplinary action may be necessary.

Step Four: If the review finds that a chapter violated our policies, Sigma Chi and the Grand Praetor will work with the chapter advisor, as well as university and chapter officers, to determine how serious of a violation has occurred.

If the allegation being made is considered very serious—for example, complaints of life-threatening behavior—the CRSC may impose a 45-day suspension of chapter operations while the investigation takes place. While this would suspend many chapter activities, such as social events, it would not close the chapter house, suspend meal service or halt chapter meetings.

© 2004, Sigma Chi International Headquarters

[TSteven]

QUESTIONS ABOUT NO TOLERANCE POLICY ON HAZING

We understand that the policies will raise a lot of questions. That’s only natural. We are committed to help finding answers.

First, chapters should feel entirely comfortable discussing each case with their local advisors, who understand the policies and Sigma Chi’s approach to discipline for infractions of the policies.

Second, Sigma Chi is committed to thoroughly reviewing each and every question to determine whether or not it violates policies—if it does, the Fraternity will determine how severe a violation it is and what subsequent actions, if any, will be taken.

Finally, the Fraternity understands that violations of the zero-tolerance policy will vary. While all violations will be punished, we will scale our response to make it appropriate to the situation.

Here are some answers to questions Sigma Chi received following the conference call.

Q. How are these policies different from past rules and regulations?

A. This is the first time Sigma Chi has imposed a zero-tolerance policy. This also redefines hazing and establishes more aggressive procedures and processes for addressing alleged violations.

Q. What is the difference between the new definition of hazing and the old?

A. Previously no definition was available, and this lead to inconsistent and inappropriate activities, actions, and perceptions. The new policy provides a concise meaning that is consistent with Sigma Chi, which will lead the Fraternity into the future.

Q. “Zero tolerance” implies that even the smallest violation of this new definition will result in the suspension of our chapter. Will one violation literally result in the suspension of our chapter?

A. No. However, it does mean that each instance will be thoroughly investigated and there will be consequences depending upon the severity of each violation—with the most severe resulting in charter suspension.

Q. What happens if an alumnus violates the new hazing policy?

A. We will not tolerate hazing by any Sigma Chi. Individuals who violate our rules will face disciplinary action—whether they live on campus or not.

Q. My chapter requires the pledge class to clean the house. We believe it teaches responsibility and good work ethic. Is this now considered a violation of Sigma Chi’s hazing policy?

A. A lot of activities are condoned under the excuse that things “teach responsibility or respect or good work ethic.” If the activity singles out pledges for work, this is hazing. If pledges take their turn in cleaning the house—along with every other member—it likely is not hazing.

© 2004, Sigma Chi International Headquarters

[hoosier]

Congratulations to Sigma Chi, but the devil is in the details.

Is there any National GLO that doesn't say the same thing?

Is there any GLO which doesn't investigate reports of hazing?

Sigma Chi's announcement contains details of three fall 2004 hazing cases they had previously hidden - and which apparently never got media or GC attention. If they will start truthfully and accurately reporting bad news, their reports of good news will be more believable.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by hoosier
Sigma Chi's announcement contains details of three fall 2004 hazing cases they had previously hidden - and which apparently never got media or GC attention. If they will start truthfully and accurately reporting bad news, their reports of good news will be more believable.

What are you talking about? These incidents were not hidden. All were reported by IHQ.

Now If the media didn't report 'em, or it wasn't posted on GC, that isn't Sigma Chi Fraternity's fault.

SIGMA CHI PLACES UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-AUSTIN CHAPTER ON SUSPENSION

Evanston, Ill.—On August 2, 2004, the Sigma Chi Fraternity’s Executive Committee (EC) voted to suspend the Alpha Nu Chapter at the University of Texas-Austin. The General Fraternity suspended Alpha Nu due to the chapter’s violations of the Fraternity’s Alcohol and Drug Policy and the Fraternity’s Statement of Policy Concerning Pledge Education and the Ritual.

The Fraternity's Executive Committee unanimously voted to suspend the chapter’s charter for an indefinite amount of time.

Lee Beauchamp, Sigma Chi’s Grand Consul (international president), released a statement shortly after the meeting: “During my term as Grand Consul, activities such as those in this case will be quickly and vigorously investigated, and the Executive Committee will take quick, proper and, where warranted, severe action as was done in this unfortunate case. Proper discipline will continue to be taken against individual brothers, entire chapters or both, depending on the circumstances.”

The Sigma Chi Fraternity is resolved to holding its chapters accountable to all policies.

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 220 undergraduate Sigma Chi chapters and 146 Sigma Chi alumni groups across North America.

© 2004, Sigma Chi International Headquarters

SIGMA CHI PLACES SUNY-OSWEGO ON SUSPENSION

Evanston, Ill.—On April 6, 2004, the Sigma Chi Fraternity’s Executive Committee (EC) voted to suspend the Kappa Nu Chapter at SUNY-Oswego. The General Fraternity suspended Kappa Nu due to the chapter’s violations of the Fraternity’s alcohol and drug policy and the Fraternity’s statement of policy concerning pledge education and the Ritual. Additionally, the chapter failed to meet financial obligations to the General Fraternity and the Risk Management Foundation.

The EC unanimously voted to suspend the chapter’s charter for an indefinite amount of time.

Lee Beauchamp, Sigma Chi’s Grand Consul (international president), released a statement shortly after the April meeting: “During my term as Grand Consul, activities such as those in this case will be quickly and vigorously investigated, and the Executive Committee will take quick, proper and, where warranted, severe action as was done in this unfortunate case. Proper discipline will continue to be taken against individual brothers, entire chapters or both, depending on the circumstances.”

The Sigma Chi Fraternity is resolved to holding its chapters accountable to all policies.

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 value-based organization that stresses the character development of each member. There are currently 219 undergraduate Sigma Chi chapters and 142 Sigma Chi alumni groups across North America.

© 2004, Sigma Chi InternationalHeadquarters

SIGMA CHI PLACES UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ON SUSPENSION

Press Release
Evanston, IL
June 19, 2003

On June 6, 2003, the Sigma Chi Fraternity’s Executive Committee (EC) voted to suspend the Beta Phi Chapter at the University of Arizona. Throughout the past four years, the chapter violated both university and the General Fraternity policies on several occasions. In response to this behavior, the General Fraternity and the university issued sanctions aimed at redirecting the chapter’s operations toward the high-minded traditions of the Fraternity. Despite these good faith efforts, the members of the Beta Phi Chapter continued to behave in a manner inconsistent with the values of Sigma Chi.

Consequently, the University of Arizona suspended the Beta Phi Chapter through 2007. Following the university’s decision, Sigma Chi’s Executive Committee suspended the chapter for an indefinite period of time.

The Sigma Chi Fraternity is resolved to holding its chapters accountable to all policies, both its own and those of its host institutions.

There are currently 219 undergraduate chapters across North America, and more than 100 alumni chapters throughout the world.

© 2004, Sigma Chi International Headquarters

[WSUcheer99]

That's terrible that all those people had to die before someone realized that the chapter's were out of control. I honestly hope that the parents of the current members take a serious look at how they raised their kids. Normal people with common sense wouldn't lock people in freezers!

[DeltAlum]

Looks like Sigma Chi is going to walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

Other groups and school administrations are probably going to be watching this very closely.

Congratulations to Sig for at least putting the policy in writing and communicating it openly.

[snooky]

Well, they never acknowledged what happened to Brian Gillis at the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA chapter on or about April 3/4 2002, but the chapter took Brian's money. Well, now the San Luis Obispo's DA office has decided that Brian's death is a crime and a Crime Stopper Reward was issued last Friday. We shall see. Go to www.briangillis.net and see the poster. Sigma Chi has refused to contact Brian's family. What cowards.

[hoosier]

Originally posted by TSteven
What are you talking about? These incidents were not hidden. All were reported by IHQ.

Now If the media didn't report 'em, or it wasn't posted on GC, that isn't Sigma Chi Fraternity's fault.

Glad to see this. Have they also put it in the Magazine?

[snooky]

You will have to educate me on what magazine. Any help in getting this publicized would be helpful.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by hoosier
Glad to see this. Have they also put it in the Magazine?

Something similar to what is posted on the web and usually under chapter information/status. Details are usually not highlighted.

i.e. XYZ chapter suspended due to the chapter’s violations of the Fraternity’s Alcohol and Drug Policy.

ETA: The Magazine may also refer readers to the website for more information.

[snooky]

The San Luis Obispo chapter was closed and dissolved in August 2002. If you mean is it posted on the Sigma Chi national website, the answer is now. The national never ven called us. They are being bugged now by press. I will be curious to see how they respond now that Brian's death has been considered a crime.

[mmcat]

good for sigma chi.
now keep it going

[TSteven]

Originally posted by snooky
The San Luis Obispo chapter was closed and dissolved in August 2002. If you mean is it posted on the Sigma Chi national website, the answer is now.

With all due respect, the Sigma Chi Fraternity's Executive Committee (EC) voted August 2, 2002 to to suspend the Fraternity’s Theta Phi Chapter at the California State University – San Luis Obispo. It was released to the press, as well as posted on the web site, six days later on August 8, 2002.

SIGMA CHI PLACES CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAPTER ON SUSPENSION

Press Release
Evanston, IL
August8, 2002

At its August 2, 2002, meeting, the Sigma Chi Fraternity's Executive Committee (EC) voted to suspend the Fraternity’s Theta Phi Chapter at the California State University – San Luis Obispo. For the last two years the undergraduate chapter has suffered from disciplinary troubles with its host university and the General Fraternity. The chapter’s final incident was a serious violation of the Sigma Chi Policy on Alcohol and Drugs. This violation evidenced the chapter’s failure to abide by the Fraternity’s policies and expectations of high-minded, gentlemanly behavior. After review, the EC decided to indefinitely suspend the chapter.

The Sigma Chi Fraternity is resolved in holding its chapters accountable to all policies, both its own and those of its host institutions.

There are currently 222 undergraduate chapters across North America, and more than 100 alumni chapters throughout the world.

Originally posted by snooky
The national never ven called us. They are being bugged now by press.

According to an article posted Wednesday, February 2, 2005 on the San Luis Obispo Tribune web site, a gag order prevents discussing the case.

Originally posted by snooky
I will be curious to see how they respond now that Brian's death has been considered a crime.

While the case may still be open, according to the article, no criminal charges have been filed. Again, there is a gag order in place. As such, I would anticipate that EC will continue to be legally bound to not comment.

And while I can not- nor do I care to - speak for the EC, I will end and say that I am confident that the EC continues to look forward to a quick and just resolution. As we all do.