Phi Delta Theta does not condone any form of hazing.  It is contrary to the purpose of fraternity, let alone Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.  Members can still achieve a close group of men throughout the organization without hazing and Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters offers resources to help transplant negative activities with positive ones. 

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The Rights of a Phikeia

As a Phikeia of Phi Delta Theta Fratenity, I understand and recognize the Fraternity's Code requires a period of education and indoctrination prior to initiation as a member of the Fraternity. During this period, I recognize the following certain basic rights:

• As a Phikeia, I am not required to take part in any activity which violates any legal status or any college/university regulations.


• As a Phikeia, I recognize it is the policy of the General Fraternity that I am not to be subjected to hazing and cannot "consent" to being hazed.

I also recognize it is contrary to the laws of Phi Delta Theta to threaten me with dismissal as a Phikeia if I do not participate in such hazing activities, whether this threat is explicit or implicit.

• I recognize the chapter may dismiss me during the education period if I do not perform adequately during this program which precedes initiation as a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. The chapter is required to act in a humane and discreet manner if such a decision is reached, and I am to receive a satisfactory explanation of the reasons why I am being dismissed.


• I have the right to refrain for excessive participation in chapter activities when such participation would interfere with my academic program. At no time, am I to be required to miss classes or other scheduled academic activities, because of functions which are claimed as "required" of Phikeias.


• I have the right to make violations of these rights known to the Chapter Advisory Board, the Province President or the General Headquarters Staff. These reports may be made confidentially.

 

Fraternity Executives Association
Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-initiation Activities

The Fraternity Executives Association has stated its position, periodically, in support of constructive educational and inspirational programs and has asserted unequivocally its opposition to hazing and pre-initiation activities which do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of pledges/associates and members.

Because hazing and other pseudo-initiation practices have not been rejected and eradicated completely in undergraduate activities and therefore remain a menace to the well-being of the College Fraternity System, the Fraternity Executives Association reaffirms and reasserts its position on this question.

• The Association believes that true fraternalism is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority and loyalty to the principles of higher education.


• The Association further believes that while social behavior cannot be legislated, a fraternity without morally sound precepts and practices is not a constructive influence upon college students.


• The Association further believes that a fraternity has a solemn obligation in the development of its pledges/associates and members and that this responsibility extends alike to the institutions where it is represented; to parents and others who make possible the education of pledges/associates and members; to the communities where chapters are accountable for good citizenship; and to the college fraternity system of which it is a part.


• The Association further believes that while much progress has been made, one of the most damaging instruments to the fraternity system is the employment of a program of education which includes hazing, and that this unproductive, ridiculous and hazardous custom has no rightful place in the fraternity system.


• The Association 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. Such activities and situations includes paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside the confines of the house; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.

 

The Fraternity Executives Association (FEA) is an organization made up of executives from many of the national and international fraternities and sororities. It has supported positive, educational new member programming and condemned hazine and other unconstructive pre-initiation activities as antithetical to the mission of fraternal organizations. As a Fraternity interested in the well-being and education of its members and Phikeias, Phi Delta Theta supports the above position.