Brothers, As discussed during the Fall District Council Meeting, the Supreme Council has approved the updated zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing of any kind. Please review the attached letter from the Grand Basileus, Bro. Dr. David Marion, regarding the new policy. It is critical that all Brothers know this policy and govern themselves accordingly. Any violations of this policy will result in expulsion of involved Brothers, and any candidates that allow themselves to be subjected to hazing or any other illegal activities will be disqualified from membership for life. Additionally, Brothers who violate this policy will be subject to civil litigation and/or criminal prosecution, as appropriate. Brothers in violation of the policy will be personally responsible for any civil damages/costs incurred for any claims arising from acts of hazing.
To be clear, the Moratorium on the Membership Intake Program / Membership Selection Process is still in place, and currently there is no set date when the moratorium will be lifted. Therefore, no membership recruitment, informational or educational sessions, training sessions or any preparatory activities related to MSP will be authorized or allowed.
Any chapters who condone or allow hazing to occur, who conduct any pre-MSP informational sessions while the Moratorium is in effect, or who fail to prevent violations from occurring may also be subject to further disciplinary actions, including fines, chapter suspensions or revocations of the charter. I remind chapter leadership teams that you have a duty and a responsibility to protect the Fraternity, our members and the candidates from any acts of hazing and their consequence. If you witness or become aware to any violations of this policy, please contact Bro. William Edwards or me immediately.
Undergraduate chapters and their host graduate chapters please continue to reach out to your respective university administrators to assure them that the moratorium is in place out of an abundance of caution. In light of the restrictions imposed by the moratorium, we will continue to work with the universities to ensure that Omega’s presence on their campuses and communities is still viable and Omega will contribute to the positive fraternity and scholastic environment that the university administrations seek. We will continue to be good partners with the various campuses.
Brothers, I am proud of the 12th District’s record of compliance with the MSP standards in the past. The result of your compliance has resulted in a solid and well-deserved positive reputation for safe membership initiation programs for several years. I encourage all Brothers in the 12th District to please continue your proactive efforts to to be diligent and vigilant, and prevent any hazing activity from occurring. This is the responsibility of all of us to personally commit to a membership intake process that is safe and free of any acts of hazing in any form, while also thoroughly preparing the candidate and new members for a lifetime of service and contribution to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and our communities. This we can and will do!
As Always, in Friendship & Service,
Bro. Dennis R. Martinez 12th DR