Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and the fraternity system prohibit any form hazing. Alpha Sigma Tau believes in the development and education of its members through positive, meaningful, honorable and enjoyable experiences. Alpha Sigma Tau requires our members to exercise good judgment and exceptional taste in all activities. Chapters or colonies must view the new member education period as a time of fun and togetherness for the entire chapter or colony, so that a new member can easily recognize and accept the all of the benefits and responsibilities of membership in Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority.

Hazing is detrimental to the basic human rights of each individual, is illegal, and is detrimental to the future of the fraternity system. Alpha Sigma Tau prohibits any collegiate chapter, its new members, its initiated members, or its alumnae members from participating or initiating any hazing activities with Alpha Sigma Tau, other clubs or organizations, or with any person.

Definition

Hazing is any act, action, intention, or creation of a situation which is detrimental in any manner to individuals or groups. Hazing causes mental anguish or physical discomfort; endangers the life or well being of individuals or groups; and causes or may cause bodily harm. Hazing violates the values, purposes, and ideals of the Sorority and the fraternity system.

The Three Categories of Hazing

Subtle/Evasive

Actions which violate the values and mutual trust of members which usually takes advantage of the disparity in the relationship between the new member/rookie member and initiated member/alumnae member. Forms of subtle hazing often include delay or restriction in wearing Sorority insignia and letters, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, and embarrassment.

Harassment

Actions which cause mental anguish or physical discomfort. Forms of harassment hazing often include verbal abuse, unwanted sexual stimulus, servitude, sleep deprivation, interrogations/drills/line-ups, required abstinence from normal cleanliness; purposeful over-scheduling, and any other action not reasonably associated with the education of new members on Alpha Sigma Tau values and activities (use special door or stairs, answering the phone on a specific ring); and

Hazardous/Dangerous

Actions which endanger life or have the potential of causing bodily harm. Forms of hazardous hazing include forced or uninformed consumption of alcohol or other drugs; branding/tattooing/burning; paddling/hitting or other forms of assault; required mistreatment of other persons or animals; destruction of property; exposure to extreme weather, abduction/abandonment/bondage, nudity; and forced participation in illegal activities.

Prohibited Activities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, kidnaps;
• Road trips, drop offs, abandonment;
• Providing alcohol or other drugs and encouraging the consumption of alcohol or other drugs;
• Blindfolding;
• Public acts of humiliation, stunts, dress ups, wearing conspicuous apparel;
• Games, unauthorized ceremonials, or activities which degrade, humiliate, scare or threaten;
• Servitude;
• Paddling in any form;
• Interrogations or verbal abuse; and/or
• Physical and/or psychological fatigue, shock or terror.

Individual Hazing-Related Policies

Letters Policy

New Members of the Sorority may wear any style, format or color of letters or Alpha Sigma Tau insignia. No chapter or member may delay or restrict a member in wearing Sorority insignia and letters. New members may not wear the initiated member Badge or the Crest until they are initiated members.

Education Policy

Each Alpha Sigma Tau chapter or colony must annually sponsor, co-sponsor, or attend a hazing prevention education event. Ninety percent of chapter members must attend.

Reporting Violations Policy

Any member of Alpha Sigma Tau who witnesses or is involved in a potential hazing incident has the responsibility report the hazing or potential hazing situation to the New Member Director, Chapter President, a chapter adviser, District President, Headquarters, or the Hazing Hotline.

Upon notification, the Chapter President, a member of the Collegiate-Alumnae Advisory Board, the District President, Staff or Council member or Headquarters must immediately implement the Alpha Sigma Tau Crisis Management Plan and complete a Chapter Incident Report Form within twenty-four hours of notification of a violation of this hazing policy.

Disciplinary action will be taken by the National Council and/or the local chapter or colony for any collegiate chapter, colony, or alumnae member who participates in or is complicit in hazing activities. This action may include individual and chapter/colony discipline, sanctions and other actions. Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority may take any action it deems necessary to prevent or respond to a hazing situation.