The guidelines of this policy are intended to apply to all levels of membership in Sigma Beta Rho.
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, should be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and should comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines. BYOB is defined as one (1) six-pack of 12-ounce beers or one (1) four pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage.
2. No alcoholic beverages should be purchased through or with chapter funds nor should 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 discouraged.
3. OPEN PARTIES, defined as events with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are not recommended. Any event with alcohol present that can or will be associated with an entity of a fraternity should require a guest list prepared 24 (twenty-four) hours in advance of the event. It is recommended that a list of those who attend be maintained for several years.
4. No members, collectively or individually, should purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
5. It is recommended that 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 be prohibited.
6. No chapter should 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, including the use of a third-party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is present could be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of the organization and college or university policy.
7. No chapter should co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
8. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter should be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter should be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
9. No alcohol should be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter.
Hazing
No chapter, colony, student, or alumnus should conduct, participate in 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
An organization should 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 should not be allowed.
Fire, health and safety
1. All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
2. All chapters 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 of the door of each sleeping room.
3. All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.
4. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house should be prohibited.
Education
Each fraternity should annually instruct its students and alumni/alumnae in its risk management policies and practices. It is recommended that all undergraduates and key volunteers receive on an annual basis a copy of the organization risk management policy and that a copy of the policy be posted on the organization website. For more information, refer to www.fea-inc.org/fipg.