Phi Beta Sigma Takes A Stance On Hazing

The General Board of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., unanimously voted to authorize the Fraternity, in concert with the International President, to expel any member found guilty of hazing. The decision was made on January 7, 2012 at the winter of the General Board in Memphis, Tennessee.

International President Jimmy Hammock has expressed deep concern over the effects of hazing on the Fraternity: “There are members of Phi Beta Sigma, and other fraternities who have pretty much ignored the anti-hazing, no pledge policy for new membership intake, as state by the member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Underground pledging has overshadowed a system designed to eliminate hazing and reduce the liability pledging and/or hazing has on Black Greek Letter Organizations. No one wants to be a called a “paper” brother, or to allow someone to “skate” into the fraternity, or be accused of being “soft”; so the madness continues. We must work to change this culture, by taking the lead on the enforcement of the anti-hazing policies set by all Black Greeks”

The General Board also unanimously adopted the following procedure measure to the expulsion process: After investigation by Regional Director, and upon the recommendation to the International President, members found guilty must receive notice via US mail to their known address. Members will be given 30 days to respond to that letter; if there is no response within this timeframe, then the General Board will expel the member(s) pending verification at the next Conclave.

These decisions are the beginning of a series of anti-hazing actions and initiatives implemented by the General Board. Members of Phi Beta Sigma will receive more information on risk management matters in the near future.

“Sigma will become the global brand reference for fraternities and community service organizations,” shares President Hammock. “A major threat to our brand today is the threat of hazing. We are determined to seriously address and eradicate this culture of hazing.”