Anti-Hazing Policy

Abusive affiliation, which the law might recognize by the term “hazing” is any act on or off the campus of the University, that a reasonable person would find to endanger the mental or physical health or the comfort or safety of a student or prospective student or member, or which results in the destruction or removal of public or private property, or which causes extreme embarrassment, or public humiliation, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or confirming any form of affiliation, or continued membership in a student organization regardless of an individual’s consent to participate in the activity.

Acts of abusive affiliation include, but are not limited to:

  • Any activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student or  prospective member, including, but not limited to, physical brutality, whipping, beating, paddling, slapping, kicking, choking, scratching, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug,  or  other substance, or forced smoking or chewing of tobacco products; or
  • Any activity that endangers the mental health of the student or prospective member, including but not limited to sleep deprivation, physical confinement, placing prospective members of an organization or group in ambiguous situations which lead to confusion and emotional stress or other extreme stress inducing activity; or
  • Any activity that requires the student or prospective member to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the criminal laws of this state or any University policies, rules, or regulations published in University documents; or
  • Subservience, including but limited to any activity which promotes a class system within organizations or activities, which facilitate inappropriate levels of authority over students.

Hazing also includes any additional acts included in the definition of hazing by Illinois law, which currently is set forth in Section 720 ILCS 120/0.01, Illinois Hazing Law (may be cited as the Hazing Act):

Illinois Hazing Law: A person commits hazing who knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution if: (a) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and (b) the act results in bodily harm to any person.

Risk Management Policy

Alcohol and Drugs

  1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education.
  2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
  3. Open parties must follow all guidelines must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and the University of Illinois Springfield.
  4. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
  5. The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on Chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited. Everyone must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education.
  6. No undergraduate chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy.
  7. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
  8. No member or pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in “drinking games.” The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong,” “century club,” “dares” or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.
  9. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night,” “big brother – little brother” events or activities, / “big sister – little sister” events or activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.

Hazing

No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol, paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law.”

Sexual Abuse and Harassment

The fraternity/Sorority will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.