We are disappointed that Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity has decided to leave the NIC and offended in the manner they communicated their departure.
To set the record straight, Sigma Phi Epsilon voted in all unanimously approved decisions of the NIC which it now criticizes. Those include advocacy areas such as litigation at Harvard and Yale in defense of the fraternity experience, lobbying for the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act in Congress and the development of Campus Advocacy Protocols which include the optional formation of independent interfraternity councils in cases when student rights are grossly violated.
NIC understands Sigma Phi Epsilon’s right to make decisions they feel are in best interest of their members. However, we question their method of departing the NIC and reject their assertion that the NIC and its members are not aggressively promoting a positive and safe fraternity experience.
The issues of health and safety are not fraternity specific but critical issues being addressed across all campus communities. NIC fraternities continue to lead in efforts to protect students by enforcing stricter health and safety guidelines than applied to non-fraternity students. In addition, NIC work continues as we shift from pilot programs to full implementation of first ever industry-wide health and safety guidelines and the removal of hard alcohol from chapter houses and events. We are engaged with student leaders and campus professionals to align councils with new IFC Standard Operating Procedures.
NIC is leading nationwide efforts through our Anti-Hazing Coalition to increase transparency and eradicate hazing across all student organizations and campuses. Just this month, coalition efforts resulted in the introduction of the END ALL Hazing Act in the U.S. Senate. We also continue our efforts to strengthen state criminal hazing laws including work in five states this year. Additionally, we are conducting research to give us the data to be more strategic in how we continue to improve the overall fraternity experience.
The NIC continues to represent a diverse range of fraternity men and interfraternal interests and appreciate the hundreds of campus partners supporting fraternity chapters and councils. We support all students, alumni and professionals in advancing the fraternity experience—regardless of membership in the Conference.
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Media contact:
Todd Shelton
