Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity will no longer require new members to go through a pledging process.
The change in policy, called the True Gentleman Experience, comes after a Bloomberg News article named Sigma Alpha Epsilon, an organization with more than 240 chapters and 14,000 collegiate members nationwide, the “deadliest U.S. fraternity.”
Bloomberg wrote that at least 10 deaths nationally since 2006 were linked to hazing or drugs at Sigma Alpha Epsilon-related events.
“We know that that’s not what Sigma Alpha Epsilon is about,” said Brandon Weghorst, national associate executive director of communications for Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Now, when a person receives a bid, he has four days to complete all the requirements for membership or to change his mind. Upon completion, local chapters are required to accept him as a member without any initiation or face closure.
“This change will adopt a method, practice and policy that treats all members equally and fairly and strives for a continuous development of our members throughout their lives,” the national Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter said in a statement March 7.
Ball State prohibits hazing and defines it as “any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright or ridicule.”
Weghorst said the change was partially made as a way to go back to the original membership process and as a way to celebrate the fraternity’s 150th anniversary.
“There was no one particular reason for the change, but we hope this change will result in less hazing,” he said.
Ball State’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter refused to comment on the policy change.
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