1. The Anatomy of Suicide – Reflection
2. A Resolution on Alcoholic Beverages
3. Policy on Illegal Drugs
4. A Resolution on Sexual Harassment
5. A Resolution on Dry Recruitment

“Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” –George S. Patton

The Anatomy of Suicide – Reflection

George W. Spasyk, Executive Director 1969-1990

It has often been said that “fraternity chapters don’t die-they commit suicide.” We firmly believe this to be true, and a former chapter at a major University is classic in portraying the symptoms of self-destruction which, over a period of four years, brought an outstanding chapter to its death.

The steady erosion of membership- 83 in 1967, 64 in 1968, 46 in 1969, 29 in 1970, 18 in 1971- identified the fact there was a problem to even the most casual observer, but the manpower situation was the result, rather than the cause, of other, overriding weaknesses.

Here is a sampling of observations from official visitation reports during this four-year period: “Weak leadership and an overemphasis on social activity has caused the chapter to deteriorate…a summer rush program was planned but not conducted…another problem in the apathy and poor attitude of the members…there is little respect for the house…rush party entertainment was provided by two strippers…(Fall, 1969).”

(The reader will have to agree that “fraternity” as most of us know it, was already dead…it simply took a couple more years to bury the corpse.)

“Many of the chapter’s problems center around a group of ‘cool guys’ the chapter pledged two years ago on the basis of social activity only…they have no desire to lead…some of this group wants to do away with the ritual…no respect is shown for the house, the housemother, of to the rushees…the university is making some efforts to help the fraternities, particularly with leadership, but the chapter has failed to take part in the sessions…(Spring, 1970). “

“Loss of pride by the members has made it impossible to recruit new members…of the 18 members left, only 9 will return next fall, and of these, only four or five have any affection for the fraternity…20% of the membership smokes marijuana in the house…(Spring, 1971).”

At this point, the chapter was declared inactive, and ΛXA left the campus. Aside from the student membership, three other factors are always involved in the conduct of chapter operations-the university climate, the alumni, and the General Fraternity.

As to the university climate, this particular school has not been a healthy field for fraternities in the past several years…a significant number of chapters have “folded.” Yet, this is more frequently used as an excuse for failure rather than a cause. There remain on campus several good fraternity chapters. And there are a number of strong chapter of ΛXA on campuses which would have to be considered by any objective standard, “poor fraternity schools.”

Alumni support for the chapter was strong and continued right up to the end, in spite of the frustrations which resulted from the lack of response to sincere and dedicated efforts. An unusual amount of General Fraternity assistance was provided throughout the period of decline… ΛXA does not give up easily. During the past year alone, three rush visits by staff personnel were conducted, with little or no follow-up by the members.

What caused the death of this chapter? We can cite weak leadership, apathy and indifference for starters. The inability to “psyche out” the needs of the contemporary student is another way of saying the chapter was offering a 1960 product to a 1970 student. The loss of standards and pride. The loss of senior interest and participation. And finally, a lack of fraternalism — brotherly love, if you will.

To suggest that the problems of this chapter are typical of fraternities generally is as foolish as to contend that there are no dying chapters. Fortunately, this is an exception. The recognition of any of the above symptoms in their early stages is sufficient to bring about the changes needed to forestall any significant downward trend… in effect, they serve as a built-in “Early Warning System.”

If any of the above symptoms are familiar in your chapter — whether you be alumnus or undergraduate — the warning should be unmistakable. What happened here could happen to you.

RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE 42ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, 1988
A RESOLUTION ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Recognizing its responsibility for the social well-being and welfare of its members; and with the objective that the social atmosphere and environment of its chapters be one in harmony with the spirit and ideals of this Fraternity; Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity adopts this policy related to alcoholic beverages.

1. The possession, consumption, and distribution of alcoholic beverages on the premises of any chapter or colony or at any entertainment or function given in the name of, or for the benefit of, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity shall not be in conflict with institutional, state, provincial or local regulations and policies.

2. There shall be no sale of alcoholic beverages by a chapter or colony.

3. Chapter funds shall not be used to purchase alcohol.

4. No chapter shall sponsor or co-sponsor any activity, which is classified as an “open party” that is characterized by unrestricted and/or public access to alcoholic beverages.

5. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present.

6. No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games” on chapter premises or at any chapter activity or function.

7. No alcohol shall be present at any associate member, pre-initiation or initiation activity of the chapter.

8. Designated drivers shall be available in sufficient numbers at any function where alcoholic beverages are present.

9. Adequate procedures shall be used to admit only invited guests to chapter events.

10. The presence of alcoholic beverages shall be monitored in an appropriate manner to assure compliance with the risk management guidelines of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

11. The Fraternity directs its chapters to implement a membership recruitment program, which eliminates the use of alcoholic beverages.

12. Chapters are directed to develop a comprehensive alcohol awareness program of education on the responsibilities and liabilities of alcohol possession, consumption, and distribution.

13. The Fraternity directs its chapters to develop a balanced social program, which incorporates creative, non-alcoholically oriented programming.

14. The chapter Executive Committee is directed to supervise the design and implementation of the chapter’s social program so that it conforms to the spirit of this policy. It is further directed to take corrective and/or disciplinary measures when warranted on any individual who negatively affects the well being of a chapter through misuse or over-indulgence of alcoholic beverages.

The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity bases its position upon recognition that clear evidence exists that the misuse of alcoholic beverages can erode the foundation of fraternalism and diminish the complete attainment of the goals and objectives of Lambda Chi Alpha and the educational community.

RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE 19TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, 1982
POLICY ON ILLEGAL DRUGS

Recognizing that the use of illegal drugs has adversely affected the morale, operations, and standards of its collegiate chapters, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity adopts this policy related to the use of such drugs within the Fraternity.

A. There shall be no possession or use of illegal drugs, including paraphernalia, in chapter houses, on Fraternity premises, at Fraternity functions wherever held, or in any other fashion that would be connected in any way with the Fraternity. Violation by a member or a chapter is an offense against the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, which shall not be tolerated.

B. Chapters are to strictly enforce this policy as prescribed in Article X of the Constitution as well as to take a positive educational approach on illegal drugs in preventing problems affecting a chapter.

C. The Grand High Zeta is directed to take the necessary action, where warranted, to enforce this policy as to individual members and chapters and colonies.

D. The administrative Staff is further directed to obtain and/or develop appropriate materials for an educational program dealing with drug usage. The material should be appropriate whether a chapter currently has a drug problem.

E. The fraternity encourages each chapter to implement a comprehensive educational program dealing with drug usage and its injurious effects on the individual member and on the well being of our chapters.

F. The Fraternity’s position is based upon the recognition that clear evidence exists that the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is both injurious to the individual member and detrimental to the well being of its chapters.

RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE 42ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 1988
A RESOLUTION ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

WHEREAS, the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity recognizes that sexual harassment is a problem throughout our society; and

WHEREAS, a sexual harassment is a form of discrimination which violates the principles, traditions, and ideals of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity; and

WHEREAS, sexual harassment reflects poorly on out society, particularly on educational institutions, and depresses the victims of the respect and dignity due to all human beings; and

WHEREAS, the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity believes that it is essential that the Fraternity continue to promote the refinement of manly character; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity in 1988 General Assembly duly convened that the Brothers of this Fraternity firmly condemn deliberate or repeated offensive comments, gestures or contact of a sexual nature, as well as date rape, gang rape, and any other form of sexual violence or harassment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we reaffirm our support of the Objects of Fraternity as stated in the Constitution of Lambda Chi Alpha, that we re-dedicate ourselves to the well-being of human kind and to the highest standards of honor, and gentlemanly conduct; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will work diligently to educate our members through programming and workshops by and through the General Fraternity and our chapters, to help prevent any acts of sexual harassment, and to heighten awareness of this problem within our membership.

RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE 42ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 1988
A RESOLUTION ON DRY RECRUITMENT

WHEREAS, the excessive use and abuse of alcoholic beverages is widely recognized as a major problem in our society; and

WHEREAS, the period of membership recruitment is the first substantive contact a prospective member has with Lambda Chi Alpha; and

WHEREAS, the use of alcohol to attract young men to membership is held to be counter-productive to introducing and developing true brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, due to the trend of the rising drinking age, the majority of prospective members are under legal age; and

WHEREAS, there has been an alarming rise in the number of liability cases involving the illegal use of alcohol with prospective members; and

WHEREAS, a recruitment program based upon the development of honest interpersonal relationships has been proven more effective, and that the presence of alcohol inhibits this development; and

WHEREAS, the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity requires “dry recruitment” in its policy on alcoholic beverages; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity in 1988 General Assembly duly convened that we, in communion with the spirit of our undergraduate and alumni brothers in chapters represented at colleges and universities across North America, do this day direct all chapters to implement a membership recruitment program which eliminates the use of alcoholic beverages during any and all membership recruitment activities and functions.

In so doing, it is our distinct belief that:

1. We will attract a greater number of high quality perspective members.
2. We will improve the retention ratio of new members.
3. We will enhance public support of fraternity membership.
4. We will diminish the risk of legal liability and isolation of liquor laws.
5. We will develop more fully the interpersonal skills of our members.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we, as Brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha, will strive diligently to promote dry recruitment on our campuses by encouraging our respective inter-fraternity councils and member fraternities to move immediately toward the elimination of alcohol in all recruitment programs.