Sigma Pi understands the importance of managing risks to keep our members and community safe. Our members are expected to abide by the guidelines and policies laid out by the Fraternity.
Anti-Hazing Statement
Hazing is contrary to the creed, standards, ideals, mission, and goals of Sigma Pi Fraternity and such activity by our members is hereby prohibited. No chapter shall encourage or conduct 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 such activities carried on outside or inside 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 humiliation games and activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulation and policies of the educational institution.”
Sigma Pi Fraternity has a toll free anti-hazing hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). The line is available to those who think they, or students they know, have become victims of hazing. Callers may remain anonymous, or they can provide personal information so that their concerns can be responded to directly. The hotline connects directly to a dedicated voice mailbox at the Cincinnati law firm of Manley Burke, the publisher of Fraternal Law.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with the creed of the Fraternity, no chapter shall deny membership to an individual meeting the criteria outlined in this article and the academic standards of both the Fraternity and the chapter’s host institution based on race, color, ethnicity, country of origin, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and harassment is contrary to the creed, standards, ideals, goals, and mission of Sigma Pi Fraternity; such activity by our members is hereby expressly prohibited. The definition of sexual abuse and/or harassment shall include, but not be limited to, any actions which are demeaning to women and/or men, which include but not limited to, date rape, gang rape, verbal harassment, lewd gestures, or offensive touching. Statement against Sexual Misconduct
Diversity and Inclusion
In the past 25 days, following Hamas’s brutal attack on Israeli civilians, the wounds of a long-standing and complex conflict have been repeatedly reopened. Today, the pain from those wounds has reached our campus in the form of hateful threats and calls for violence against members of the Jewish community.
The brothers of Sigma Pi – Mu Chapter stand firmly against all forms of hate, including anti-Semitism, and offer our unwavering support to our Jewish brothers and the entire Jewish community at Cornell. The Sigma Pi Creed emphasizes the development of character as a core principle of our brotherhood.
These moments are when character is truly tried, nurtured, and, ultimately, when it prevails. Hate, and the violation of fundamental human values which it represents, has no place within our brotherhood, on our campus, or in this world. Our doors are always open to those seeking safety, shelter, or support.
Mu Chapter of the Sigma Pi Fraternity of the United States Inc.
Anti-AAPI Hate Resources
Below is the list of resources and actionable steps on combating anti-AAPI racism:
- Educate yourself on anti-AAPI racism.
- Watch the series Asian American on PBS, which outlines the history of Asian Americans in the US.
- Read “Asian Americans Are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype. And It Creates Inequality for All.”
- Support organizations driving progress.
- Be an active bystander.
- Report hate crimes at Stop Asian Hate
- Take time to empathize and reflect, regardless of your identity.
- For those of us who don’t identify as part of the AAPI community, asking questions is a great starting point. For instance, “What would my life be like if I did identify as a member of the AAPI community?” or, “How has my identity influenced my life?” Having conversations with yourself and others to better understand people with experiences different than your own is a simple way to begin your journey as an ally.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Alcohol and Drugs Policy
In any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by a Sigma Pi Entity, including those that occur on or off its Premises:
- Sigma Pi Entity, members, and guests must comply with all federal, state, provincial, and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide, or be provided alcoholic beverages.
- Sigma Pi Entity, members, and guests must follow the federal law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on Premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the Sigma Pi Entity.
- Alcoholic beverages must either be: (1) provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or (2) brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system. The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any Sigma Pi Entity Premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
- Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third party vendor, are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event).
- Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with Sigma Pi Entity funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).
- A Sigma Pi Entity must not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.
- A Sigma Pi Entity must not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter, or alcohol distributor; however, a Chapter may rent a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host a Sigma Pi Entity event.
- Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the Sigma Pi Entity must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a 3:1 maximum guest-to-member ratio, and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the Premises or host venue.
- Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment, intake, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into Sigma Pi, including but not limited to “bid night,” “Big/Little” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and any ritual or ceremony.
- Sigma Pi Entity members or guests must not permit, encourage, coerce, glorify or participate in any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.
Fighting and Physical Abuse Policy
The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of fighting or physically abusive behavior while on chapter premises or during a Fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event a reasonable observer would associate with theFraternity.
Fire, Health and Safety Policy
- The Pi House should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
- Chapter should post by common phones and in other locations emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back door of each sleeping room.
- Chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.
- The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind on chapter premises or during a Fraternity event or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter is prohibited.
- Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms except under controlled circumstances such as initiation.
Water Features Policy
The use of self-constructed pools, bodies of water, slip-and-slides, or similar on chapter premises or at any event a reasonable observer would associate with the Fraternity is prohibited.
Education Policy
All active members and new members shall be instructed on the Risk Management Policy of Sigma Pi Fraternity annually. A copy of the Risk Management Policy is also available on the Fraternity’s website.
Good Samaritan Policy
A member who immediately obtains appropriate professional medical care for a person experiencing a medical crisis or emergency, including emergencies related to the use or consumption of alcohol or drugs, will not, along with anyone else who assists, be subject to individual disciplinary action by the Fraternity with respect to the incident. This is the case even if the member who is assisting was a contributing factor to that emergency. This policy shall not apply if the Fraternity determines that the member provided false or misleading information in the course of an investigation, or otherwise acted in bad faith.
If the chapter immediately obtains appropriate professional medical care for a person experiencing a medical crisis or emergency, including emergencies related to the use or consumption of alcohol or drugs, may be eligible for mitigation of charges related to violations of organizational policies. To be eligible for this potential mitigation, members of the chapter will be required to meet in person or by phone with a national staff member or an alumni volunteer designated by the Fraternity. This policy shall not apply if the Fraternity determines that the chapter, through its leadership, provided false or misleading information in the course of an investigation, or otherwise acted in bad faith.
Transgender Policy
Those who self-identify as men and otherwise meet the requirements for membership as stated in the Fraternity’s Constitution and Bylaws are welcome to seek membership in the organization.
Non-Financial Reinstatement Policy
For non-financial reinstatement requests, the individual or Chapter must complete the following:
- Documentation that the individual has abided by all sanctions put in place with the expulsion
- Letter from the Chapter explaining in detail why the individual should be reinstated
- Any documentation to show how the individual is worthy of being a Brother again
If the individual who submitted the reinstatement request is not the individual who submitted the expulsion request, the individual who submitted the request must be contacted to supply their opinion for the reinstatement.
All information must be sent to the Executive Office, which will compile the information to be sent to the Judicial Committee of the Grand Council. The Judicial Committee will review the membership reinstatement request and supply the Grand Council a recommendation for the request. The information will then be sent to the Grand Council for a final review and vote.
While an individual or Chapter may submit an appeal request, it does not mean that the individual will be reinstated. If an appeal is denied, the member may not resubmit a new appeal for a minimum of five years.
Officer Removal Policy
Sigma Pi reserves the right to immediately remove officers of a chapter or colony for gross negligence or willful neglect of the execution and fulfillment of their duties. For ordinary neglect or inadequate performance of duties by an officer, Sigma Pi will collaborate with the chapter or colony’s other officers to create a correction plan. Should the officer in question fail to timely comply with the plan and continue to fail to perform his duties properly, he shall be subject to removal from office by the Chief Executive Officer or his designee.
New Member Reporting Policy
The effectiveness of Sigma Pi’s Risk Management Plan requires the timely reporting of new members. Failure to timely report new members can jeopardize insurance coverage for a chapter or colony and their officers and members. Accordingly, all chapters and colonies are required to report new members to the Executive Office of Sigma Pi within seventy-two (72) hours of the completion of the new member ceremony.