Dear Chapter Leaders,

SigEp is redefining fraternity across the country. Our brothers are excelling on campus and defying negative stereotypes about the fraternity experience. But there is no mistaking that those stereotypes are still pervasive and often glorified at colleges and universities today.

This week, the film “GOAT” will debut in theaters. It’s based on a memoir by Brad Land, who wrote about his experience pledging a fraternity at Clemson University. It depicts, sadly, what men on many campuses have experienced — hazing, drug and alcohol abuse and mental turmoil. SigEp, led by our undergraduate brothers, alumni and volunteers, has made it clear that we stand against this type of behavior.

SigEp has long been a leader in providing a healthy and safe experience for our brothers. In 1991, the Balanced Man Project paved the way for our organization to be the first to abolish pledging by an undergraduate vote.

In spring of last year, two brothers from our South Carolina Alpha Chapter shared with us the truth about pledging and launched a national conversation about the dangers of engaging in risky behaviors for the sake of tradition. A year later, we challenged our undergraduate leaders to be part of the solution in The SigEp Leadership Dilemma. We’ve never shied away from tough topics, and that’s still the case today.

Hazing and alcohol and physical abuse still happen today, and as SigEps, we have committed to being part of the solution. As a chapter leader, it is your responsibility to have these conversations with your fellow leaders and chapter brothers. Use chapter meetings and challenge meetings to discuss the following points:

SigEps do not tolerate hazing, and it will not be part of our experience. We must defy the stereotypes we often see other Greeks celebrate. We are confident in being different. We don’t glorify or worse, exemplify, the behaviors seen in the movie “GOAT,” and we won’t tolerate members who do. Brotherly love calls us to create an environment where brothers come for support and growth.

Include your alumni, volunteers and university administrators in this conversation. Fraternity is at a crossroads, and we must be the ones to act.

SigEp is redefining fraternity because we are willing to defy stereotypes. We’ve done that throughout our history. You can continue that legacy as we tackle the obstacles and climb the mountains that face us today.

Sincerely,

Kyle Sutton
Managing Director