About SLP > Policies
Hazing Policy

A fraternity/sorority member, who believes in true brotherhood/sisterhood and the ideals embraced by his/her fraternity/sorority ritual, could not possibly haze a new member/pledge/associate member or brother or sister. Every fraternity, sorority, and independent living group at MIT has policies, in addition to MIT's hazing policy, that prohibits hazing. The MIT community is opposed to any situation created to produce mental and/or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.

As such, MIT Greeks and ILG members are expected to uphold the principles and ideals of their fraternity rituals and living group values, respect federal, state, and local laws and abide by MIT policies and procedures regarding participation in hazing activities.

The term "hazing" shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health of any person, or which subjects such person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has enacted legislation which makes hazing a criminal offense. FSILGs are to be free from hazing practices as defined by Mass. General Laws, Chapter 269 Sec. 17. and the IFC/Panhel/LGC/NPHC Policy on Hazing and New Member Education. In addition, all FSILGs must submit a signed Anti-Hazing Statement yearly that will be kept on file in the FSILG Office.