Hazing Statement

Created by Horizons Web Design

Delta Sigma Pi
Career Center

Delta Sigma Pi
Main Site

Delta Sigma Pi

Statement on Hazing

The Board of Directors wishes to remind you that hazing activities during either pledge education or initiation are considered immature, juvenile practices which have no place in Delta Sigma Pi and will not be condoned under any circumstance. A constructive pledge education program and initiation that will uphold the dignity of our Fraternity should be followed by all chapters. This means programs which will result in materially better members, better public relations, and increased prestige to the Fraternity.

In order that there will be no question as to what constitutes hazing, it is generally defined as follows:

"Any action taken or situation created, either intentionally or unintentionally, on or off the college campus, to produce physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment or ridicule; or possibly cause physical harm or injury. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form; creating of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shock; treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips; kidnapping of pledges by members or kidnapping of members by pledges; consumption of food, beverage or any other substance except in the course of regular meals; wearing apparel at any time or at any place which is conspicuous or not in good taste; engaging in public stunts, tricks, games or horseplay; morally degrading games or humiliating activities; any activity on the part of the pledges or members which might possibly violate any local, state, or federal law, including Fraternity law; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with Fraternity law, Ritual, or policy, or the regulations and policies of the educational institution."

Mental hazing would include, but would not necessarily be limited to, the activities and procedures included in the following statement of policy:

1. There shall be no pre-initiation activities on the day or evening prior to the day of initiation that would cause persons to be physically or mentally fatigued when Parts I and II of the initiation Ritual begin.

2. There shall be no activities during pledge education except those that attempt to increase a person's knowledge of the Fraternity and the person's professional intent; these activities must be carried on in a dignified manner and must show proper respect for another person as a professional equal.

3. At no time during pledge education is there to be verbal abuse of an individual, including shouting, screaming and the use of profanity.

4. "Shotgun" questioning, "rack lines," "inquisitions" and candlelight questioning are not to be used as procedures in determining a pledge's qualifications for membership.

5. There will be no deceptive statement or activity for the purpose of frightening or mentally disturbing an individual. Such deception includes, but is not limited to, causing a person to believe that some action or event is taking place or will take place that, in fact, will not occur.

6. Blindfolds should not be used at any time.

7. Signature books should be used only for the purpose of acquainting pledges with the Fraternity members and not as a device for hassling pledges.

Rationalization on how to circumvent these and other acts of hazing is not enough. The Board of Directors insists on the complete and total elimination of any activity which either is, or closely resembles, hazing. The procedures prescribed in the Ritual are the only procedures considered appropriate during the entire process; thus the initiation should not be of excessive or unreasonable duration.

The Chapter President in general, and the Vice President for Pledge Education specifically are in charge of the pledge education program of the chapter. Members who fail to enforce this policy or who engage in hazing are subject to Fraternity discipline. Chapters that engage in acts of hazing are subject to disciplinary action including charter revocation as provided in the Bylaws.

The International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi does not condone hazing and has issued this statement to protect the rights of prospective members. Any hazing violations should be reported to the Fraternity's Central Office or any national officer of the Fraternity (District Director, Regional Director, Provincial Vice President, Collegian of the Year, Vice President for Alumni Benefits and Services, Past Grand President, Grand President).

Hazing is a matter which cannot be taken lightly by any member or pledge of any chapter. The Board of Directors directs that this "Statement on Hazing" be made known to all members and pledges in order that no chapter, member or pledge will engage in activities which are, or closely resemble, hazing. The Chapter President and Vice President for Pledge Education are specifically responsible for informing all members and pledges about the "Statement on Hazing." All members and pledges are responsible for reviewing and following the requirements stated in the "Statement on Hazing."

State Criminal and Civil Liability

All states effectively ban hazing. Although a particular state may not have a specific anti-hazing statute, the actions that constitute hazing can be prosecuted under other criminal statutes, generally under assault or reckless endangerment provisions.

Specific hazing statutes are on the books of many states. Typically, state statutes prohibit any willful action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of an individual. Many statutes define specific acts which are prohibited. The statutes generally provide for a fine with possible imprisonment.