Policies

Anti-Hazing

No chapter, colony, member or alumna of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (“D Phi L”) shall condone hazing in any form and defines hazing as “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.”

Activities included in this definition are:

Any morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law.
Any action or situation, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health and/or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation or admission into or association with D Phi L.
Brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, paddling, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance; or other forced elements; or other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental or physical health or safety of the individual
Any activity that could subject the individual to mental or physical stress such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced contact which could result in embarrassment, or any other activity that could adversely affect the mental or physical health or dignity of the individual.
Quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house.
Wearing of public apparel, which is conspicuous, and not normally in good taste.
Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery.
Forcing or requiring the violation of the chapter’s respective university policies, federal, state or local law.

Any activity, as described above, upon which the initiation or admission into or association with D Phi L may be directly or indirectly conditioned, shall be presumed to be a “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such an activity notwithstanding.

Education is our goal: The purpose of fraternity education is just that – education about the fraternity, about the chapter and about the college or university. It is education about past and present members of the fraternity, and it is education about what makes a good member. The goal of fraternity education is to develop the future leaders of the chapter. It is the responsibility of every member to educate in a constructive and harmless way. Each member must watch out for new members, whether pledged member, associate or provisional in nature. It is the responsibility of every member to see that the anti-hazing standards of FIPG are not violated.

Non-Discriminatory

Delta Phi Lambda is fully committed to a policy against legally impermissible, arbitrary, or unreasonable discriminatory practices or procedures. Any individual who lives and identifies as a woman is eligible for membership in Delta Phi Lambda. Individuals who do not live and identify as a woman are not eligible for membership, even if they were assigned female at birth. The membership status of initiated members who undergo a change in gender identity or gender expression will not be affected, so long as the member agrees to continue to uphold the values and mission of Delta Phi Lambda. Our organization will be mindful of each potential member’s personal situations that may conflict with sorority activities provided that these situations are communicated in a timely manner with the current members of our organization and as such, those potential members will not be barred from the opportunity for membership due to those circumstances beyond their control. As an organization that strives for Asian awareness through sisterhood, we exemplify and appreciate the value of diversity and express respect for each individual and what they offer to our organization. No chapter shall permit discrimination in membership selection, initiation, chapter operations, or other activities of the Sorority based upon any person’s race, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

Unrecognized Groups

Delta Phi Lambda, while respecting the First Amendment rights of individuals at public and private institutions to associate, supports the discretion of host institutions to recognize or to suspend recognition of Greek letter organizations. Chapters of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. are not permitted to affiliate with an organization, chapter, or member of an organization or chapter that is not recognized by their respective university. This includes organizations, chapters, or members that may be at a nearby university of a Delta Phi Lambda Chapter and applies to any event that an observer would associate with Delta Phi Lambda. Chapters or groups of individual members who violate this policy will be referred to the National Executive Board for investigation.

Risk Management

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. abides by the most current FIPG Risk Management Policy (January 2013).

The Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. includes the provisions, which follow and shall apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership.

Alcohol and Drugs

The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.
No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is present may be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of this policy.
No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
No member or pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in “drinking games.” The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong,” “century club,” “dares” or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.
No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night,” “big brother – little brother” events or activities, / “big sister – little sister” events or activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.

Sexual Abuse and Harassment

The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or members acting together. Legal liability is a reality in incidents, situations or occurrences of sexual abuse. Victims of sexual assault may be able to sue the perpetrator, even though criminal charges are not filed or are dismissed. The chapter, chapter officers, and others may be named in a lawsuit if an incident of sexual abuse occurs at an event or function that can be associated with the chapter.

A chapter will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This is to include any actions that are demeaning to men or women, ranging from assault to harassment or the objectification of individuals.
A chapter will not sponsor or participate in any activity, including competitive games, community service or philanthropic endeavors, activities associated with recruitment, social events, or events related to activities such as homecoming that are abusive or demeaning to human beings.
The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.

Social Events and Functions

General Policy

All Delta Phi Lambda Collegiate members and their invited guests must be aware of and comply with the following policies:

All Collegiate, Affiliate, and Alumnae members and guests must be in compliance with state laws, university regulations, local ordinances, and national policies.
Any Delta Phi Lambda social events with other organizations or non-members shall not involve overnight accommodations.
Any Delta Phi Lambda events held at a men’s fraternity facility must comply with the fraternity’s national/local rules and resolutions and any campus-wide alcohol-free initiatives.
Open parties are prohibited. There shall be a defined and restricted guest list available at every sponsored or co-sponsored Delta Phi Lambda event. Anyone visibly intoxicated should not be allowed admittance to a Delta Phi Lambda event.
Pre- and post-social function parties are never approved. Such parties and the attendance by Collegiate members and Affiliate members are not condoned and will not be tolerated by Delta Phi Lambda.
Co-sponsored social function attendees are limited to chapter members and potential members of both sponsoring groups.
Each chapter shall have adequate liability and other acceptable insurance protection through the national organization.
Chapters may not sponsor or co-sponsor a function or event where firearms will be made available for use.
Chapters must abide by the Social Event Hosting Guide for planning social events and functions.

Contract Policy

All contracts must be reviewed prior to signing by the Regional Governors.
Only the chapter President or chapter Vice President of Finance may sign contracts on behalf of the chapter. Other officers or members who sign contracts may be personally liable.

Housing

The Risk Management Policy of the FIPG, Inc. shall apply to all member men’s and women’s fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership. The policy specifically addresses the issue of housing as follows:

Fire, Health, & Safety

Basic fire safety suggestions for a fire safety risk management program follow:

All chapter houses shall, prior to, during, and following occupancy, meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
POST common phones and in other locations emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and also POST in the common areas on the back of the door of each sleeping room.
COMPLY with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.
PROHIBIT THE POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF FIREARMS OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICES of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house.
DO NOT ALLOW THE USE OF CANDLES in the house or in individual rooms except under controlled circumstances and initiation.
ESTABLISH A “NO SMOKING” POLICY. Ban smoking in bed and establish other non- smoking areas. Provide plenty of ashtrays in designated smoking areas.
DO NOT OVERLOAD CIRCUITS. Prohibit the use of extension cords or multi-outlet devices. Use power strips, preferably with surge protectors in their place when necessary. Do not permit members to install their own custom wiring.
INSTALL ALARM SYSTEMS. Consult with local fire officials to determine the number and preferred location of smoke and heat detectors in sleeping rooms and common areas. All smoke and heat detectors should be hard wired instead of battery operated. Also consider installing an alarm system wired to a central location.
PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. Extinguishers should be well marked and readily available throughout the house. Establish penalties for tampering with a fire extinguisher. Make sure extinguishers are checked and serviced regularly.
HOLD REGULAR FIRE DRILLS. Plan, design and post your emergency evacuation plan inside each bedroom door. Quarterly fire drills are recommended, with evacuation leaders and a post-evacuation roll call procedure established. Have emergency telephone numbers posted at all house phones.
KEEP THE CHAPTER HOUSE CLEAN. Avoid keeping flammable materials in the house. Extra clutter, such as paper, boxes and clothing, provide fuel for a fire. Trash removal is especially important.
COMPLY WITH FIRE CODES AND REGULATIONS. Local fire department officials and insurance investigators will be willing to provide regular inspections and answer your questions, usually without cost.
INSTALL A SPRINKLER SYSTEM. While this can be a great expense, it will save lives in the event of a fire.

House Security

Chapter leaders must become more aware of the need to limit access to the chapter house. Unfortunately, cases of arson and vandalism are not unknown to fraternities. Some house security suggestions are listed below.

A LOCKED HOUSE—A HOUSE WITH SECURE ENTRANCES– IS MUCH SAFER. The minor inconvenience of maintaining a locked house is justified by the safety benefits to the members and physical structure. Give all members a key, card or combination. If a combination is used change it at least once a month and use numbers or letters that cannot be quickly deduced by someone who is not a member. Example: Do not use the year that the national organization was founded or the day/month/year that the chapter was installed.
INSTALL DEADBOLTS ON ALL DOORS AND LOCK WINDOWS. Consider installing a timer that automatically sets deadbolts from Midnight to 7:00 a.m. Lock all ground access windows during the same hours.
LET PEOPLE KNOCK. No one enters your family home without knocking. Keep it that way at your chapter house. The only exception should be during social events with door monitors greeting guests.
DESIGNATE “KEY ALUMNAE/ALUMNI”. Allow access by alumnae/alumni, such as your advisor and corporation officers, who require access to the house.
HAVE “KEY ALUMNAE/ALUMNI” CHECK HOUSE DURING BREAKS. Whenever the house closes for holidays and term breaks establish a schedule of “Key Alumnae/Alumni” who will regularly check house security and make sure all mechanical systems are functioning.
INSTALL OUTDOOR LIGHTING. Floodlights in front and security lights in back are the best way to deter chapter house vandalism and arson.
GREET UNESCORTED STRANGERS. Don’t let strangers roam the house. Confront them, student or not, and ask if you can help them.

Transportation

When transporting members to and from Delta Phi Lambda events, the use of appropriate safety precautions is required, including using such modes of transportation where the driver has not been consuming alcohol.
In addition to complying with all state laws, university regulations, and local ordinances, members of legal drinking age who choose to consume alcoholic beverages must do so safely and responsibly. Common carrier, such as taxis, buses, and university or hotel transportation, is the preferred method of transportation to and from all Delta Phi Lambda events.
If a designated driver program is coordinated by the Chapter for a Chapter event all participants must comply with the chapter’s designated driver guidelines and responsibilities.
Use of personal vehicles shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner/operator. Financial-responsibility laws generally impose responsibility or liability and provide no insurance to drivers or owners of vehicles for accidents or injuries, or for any damages to vehicles not owned by the Sorority that may be used in conjunction with Sorority activities.
Any individual who drives or provides transportation in conjunction with Sorority activities shall obey all applicable motor vehicle laws, including, but not limited to, those concerning vehicle safety, vehicle operation, financial responsibility and/or insurance, and the transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Operators shall ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, not overloaded, and are operated in a safe manner. Rental vehicles shall be operated in accordance with rental contracts.
Chapter participation in a designated driver program implemented by the university or other organizations for non-Delta Phi Lambda events is prohibited.

Political Neutrality

It is the policy of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. to remain neutral on any political topic and candidate. The essential functions of the sorority require strict institutional neutrality, integrity, and independence regarding partisan political activities. The sorority shall not provide material support, whether monetary or otherwise (including the publishing or distribution of statements), concerning any particular government, administrative agency, government official, political party, politician, political campaign, political movement, insurgent group, terrorist entity, or political agenda. This policy is to protect the neutrality of the sorority in the course of political activities that involve members of the organization.