Anti-Hazing Policy

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Text Box: Section 1. Definition of Hazing
The definition of hazing is often not clear cut. While other organizations often times get away with hazing, Greek Life is held to a higher standard, and watched under a much more cautious eye, than for instance club sports.
In the state of New York, hazing is illegal under the criminal code. An excerpt taken from the NYS Criminal Code follows:

New York State Hazing Law:
Section 120.16- Hazing in the First Degree: A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which created a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.
Section 120.17- Hazing in the Second Degree: A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which created a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person. Hazing in the second degree is a violation.
Section 2. Our Conduct
Conducting ourselves in a professional manner at all times does a few things.
It keeps the fraternity safe from a number of legal, liability, and social issues.
It keeps the prospective member safe from abuse, degradation, physical harm, etc.
It promotes our fraternity as the atypical fraternal organization, which in turn helps hold us to a stronger standard.
Section 3. Procedure for Designing Activities
When designing an activity that is to be ritualized into the fraternity, ask yourself the following questions. Be HONEST with yourself. In doing so, you will be honest with the brotherhood you have sworn to uphold and protect.

Is alcohol involved?
Will all active / current members refuse to complete the activity, exactly as a prospective new member would be asked to complete that same activity?
Does the activity put the fraternity in any sort of legal, liability, or other risk?
Does the activity risk the emotional well being of a potential new member?
Does the activity involve any sort of physical abuse or punishment to be received by the potential new member?
Does the activity risk any sort of injury, or are there questions of the safety and well being of any person, active / current, or prospective?
Would you have trouble in describing the activity to parents, professors, or a university official without withholding any details?
Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or shown on a local television station?
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the activity could potentially be considered hazing.
Adapted from Death By Hazing, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.
Section 4. Protection Policy
This fraternity is meant to protect its members, no matter their status (including potential members). We will NOT harm them in any way, shape, or form. In keeping with this tradition, these guidelines should be followed at all times to insure that the fraternity, the membership, and the university are kept safe at all times.

Site updated: May 01, 2008
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© Delta Chi Epsilon