Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity Anti-Hazing Policy

Preamble:

Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all its members. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Hazing is defined as any action taken or any situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a member, or that interferes with a member’s academic pursuits, personal life, or right to freely participate in the organization. This policy applies to all members, pledges, alumni, and advisors of Phi Sigma Chi.

Policy:

1. Prohibition of Hazing: Phi Sigma Chi strictly prohibits all forms of hazing, whether physical, psychological, or social. This includes, but is not limited to:

   • Physical Hazing: Any act of physical violence, including but not limited to, hitting, paddling, kicking, slapping, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, sleep deprivation, forced consumption of food or liquids, or any other activity that could cause physical harm.
   • Psychological Hazing: Any act that is intended to demean, embarrass, humiliate, intimidate, or threaten a member, including but not limited to, verbal abuse, personal insults, forced isolation, social ostracism, or any other activity that could cause emotional distress.
   • Social Hazing: Any activity that restricts a member’s freedom of association, including but not limited to, forced attendance at events, exclusion from social activities, or any other activity that could create a sense of social isolation or inferiority.
   • Financial Hazing: Any activity that requires a member to pay for activities or items beyond normally assessed dues or fees.
   • Any other activity that could reasonably be expected to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm or discomfort.

2. Responsibility: All members of Phi Sigma Chi have a responsibility to uphold this Anti-Hazing Policy. This includes refraining from participating in any hazing activities, reporting any incidents of hazing that they witness or become aware of, and actively promoting a culture of respect and inclusion within the fraternity.

3. Reporting Procedures: Any member who believes they have been hazed or has witnessed hazing should immediately report the incident to one of the following individuals:

   • Chapter Advisor
   • Regional Director
   • National President
   • Any member of the National Council

   Reports can be made verbally or in writing. Phi Sigma Chi is committed to maintaining confidentiality to the extent possible and protecting those who report hazing from retaliation.

4. Investigation and Sanctions: All reports of hazing will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. If the investigation confirms that hazing has occurred, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which may include:

   • Individual Sanctions: Warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the fraternity.
   • Chapter Sanctions: Warning, probation, suspension of activities, or revocation of the chapter charter.

5. Education and Prevention: Phi Sigma Chi is committed to educating its members about the dangers of hazing and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion. All chapters are required to conduct anti-hazing education programs for their members.

6. Retaliation Prohibited: Retaliation against any individual who reports hazing or participates in a hazing investigation is strictly prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary action.

7. Policy Review: This Anti-Hazing Policy will be reviewed and updated annually by the National Executive Board.

Enforcement:

This policy is effective immediately upon adoption. All members of Phi Sigma Chi are expected to comply with this policy. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Phi Sigma Chi believes that brotherhood is built on respect, trust, and mutual support, not on acts of humiliation or harm. We are committed to creating a fraternity experience that is positive and enriching for all our members.