Effective Immediately: Sigma Alpha Mu Chapter Closure at Ohio State University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 8, 2018
SUBJECT: CLOSURE OF THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY CHAPTER OF SIGMA ALPHA MU FRATERNITY
CONTACT: Andy Huston, Executive Director, samhq@sam.org
The Sigma Alpha Mu International Fraternity has suspended the charter at the Sigma Beta Chapter at The Ohio State University (OSU), effective immediately, due to violations of the Fraternity and University’s hazing and alcohol policies.
The Fraternity’s decision to close the chapter follows an investigation conducted by the International Headquarters. As a result, all activities and operations must cease immediately.
“Our top priority is to create a healthy and safe environment for our members and to foster a culture of responsibility in our chapters,” said Executive Director Andy Huston. “We simply will not tolerate such violations of policies, expectations and values.”
Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men; the organization has been open to all men of good moral character since 1953. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 57 collegiate chapters and colonies and over 55,000 living alumni throughout the United States and Canada.
Tell Congress to Support the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act
Fraternities and sororities are the nation’s second largest provider of college student housing. Weprovide housing – and one-of-a-kind experience – for more than 370,000 of the most active students on campuses. Yet, donations toward building and maintaining our houses are restricted from receiving full tax deductions. The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) would provide our houses with equal access to facility upgrades under the law. By simplifying the tax code, all non-for-profit housing (including fraternities and sororities) will be able to gain incentives to increase funding for life-safety and capacity upgrades like fire sprinklers and alarm systems. If integrated into tax reform, CHIA–which has always enjoyed bipartisan support–will also make a meaningful difference in the student debt crisis, by expanding the offering of affordable collegiate housing options.Now we need your help.
The more voices Congress hears, the more likely students across the country will gain the benefits of safe and affordable student housing. Thank you for your support.
Largest Number of Initiates is Beta Gamma – University of Arizona
Largest Percentage of Change in Number of Initiates is Gamma Iota – Towson University
Largest Percentage of Change in Chapter Size is Epsilon Epsilon – SUNY Geneseo
The Religious Endeavor Award
Sigma Theta at the University of Texas
The Community Service Honorable Mention
Mu Zeta – Washington State University
The Community Service Award Beta Omega
Beta Omega – Kentucky Wesleyan
Risk Management Innovation Award
Gamma Lambda – Northern Illinois
Sigma Zeta – Indiana
Harry B. Cohen Fraternity Service Award
Sigma Beta Advisory Board
Marc Heller (Mu Chi ‘89)
David Alloy (Sigma Omicron ‘70)
Chapter Advisor of the Year Award
Chris Small of Gamma Iota at Towson University
Kelly Dieters of Epsilon Alpha at Stephen F. Austin
Alumni Recorder Award
Jacob Birenbaum of Gamma Kappa at Texas A&M
Rabbi Liebeman Award
David Levey of Psi at the University of Pittsburgh
Outstanding Athlete Award
Vincent Declercq of Beta at Cornell University
Recorder of the Year
Brian Ackerman of Psi at the University of Pittsburgh
Exchequer of the Year
Alex Khan of Beta Omega at Kentucky Wesleyan
Vice Prior of the Year
Ricky Meyers from Beta at Cornell University
Prior of the Year
Aaron Shubert from Delta Alpha at Hofstra University
Undergraduate Achievement Award (Sophomore)
Gavin Pielow of Mu Zeta at Washington State University
Undergraduate Achievement Award (Senior)
Ryan Zuckerman of Sigma Zeta at Indiana University
Hammerstein Best in Province Awards
Mu Psi (Miami University – OH)- Great Lakes Region
Beta (Cornell University) – Empire
Psi (University of Pittsburgh)- Keystone
Beta Psi (University of Virginia)- Mid-Atlantic
Gamma Chi (Brandeis University) – New England
Gamma Kappa (Texas A&M)- Gulf Coast
Gamma Tau (University of Florida) – Southeast
Delta Upsilon (UNLV) – Southwest
Mu Zeta (Washington State) – Pacific Northwest
Founder’s Level
Beta – Cornell University
Kappa – University of Minnesota
Psi – University of Pittsburgh
Mu Theta – University of Southern California
Mu Psi – Miami University of Ohio
Gamma Chi – Brandeis University
Epsilon Nu – University of Connecticut
Founder’s Cup Winner
Mu Theta (University of Southern California)
ΣΑΜ Hires New ELC Sam Friday
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has hired Samuel Friday its newest Educational Leadership Consultant. Sam attended the University of West Florida where he joined the fraternity in 2013. He earned a degree in Telecommunications and Film. As Educational Leadership Consultant, Samuel will provide support to the fraternity’s collegiate members and volunteers. He brings significant experience to this role as former candidate educator and prior of the Delta Eta Chapter at University of West Florida.
"Samuel Friday was an exceptional leader at the University of West Florida," shared Executive Director Andy Huston. "He demonstrated strong leadership as the Prior of Delta Eta Chapter and on international fraternity's Undergraduate Advisory Committee. Samuel's perspective from his campus involvement will also help the fraternity based on his work on the SGA Supreme Court, Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader and Director of Argo Camp. With this background, Samuel will help our chapters continue to grow and thrive on their respective campuses."
Sam looks forward to helping each chapter establish better organizational structure. He eagerly shared the chapter’s outcomes during his tenure as prior, “created chapter committees, and we shared a strategic vision and deeper connection to one another. We established an academic scholarship, and the Chapter GPA improved. More than just brotherhood, we focused on serving the community, and our chapter became recognized by the community of Pensacola.”
Sam began working full-time for the fraternity in Indianapolis on June 12th, 2017. He relocated from Pensacola, Florida.
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York. Sigma Alpha Mu's Mission is to foster the development of collegiate men and our alumni by instilling strong fraternal values, offering social and service opportunities, encouraging academic excellence and teaching leadership skills. We will continue to attract members of all beliefs who appreciate our great heritage as a fraternity of Jewish men. Sigma Alpha Mu currently has 55 chapters and colonies and more than 56,000 living alumni.
Sigma Alpha Mu Passes Unanimous Pro-Israel Resolution
Sigma Alpha Mu is a fraternity that is open to all men of good moral character. Until 1953, membership in the fraternity had been limited to Jewish men. The fraternity acknowledges with deep appreciation its Jewish heritage which has enriched its life and the lives of its chapters and members. The fraternity also values free speech and association which are important components of this resolution.
FAQs on the ΣΑΜ Pro-Israel Resolution additional resources follow below the resolution.
The Resolution
The Octagon of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity unanimously approved the following resolution at its Fall 2015 meeting the weekend of December 5, 2015:
Whereas Sigma Alpha Mu was founded as a fraternity of Jewish men in 1909.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu continues to attract members of all beliefs who appreciate our great heritage as a fraternity of Jewish men.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu is a fraternity of over 2,100 current undergraduates and 45,000 living alumni.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu has many Israeli-American alumni and undergraduate members.
And whereas thousands of Sigma Alpha Mu undergraduate members and alumni have traveled to Israel on Taglit-Birthright programs.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu believes Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu supports the U.S.-Israel relationship because Israel is America's closest ally in the Middle East.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu will not sit idly as anti-Israel speech permeates across American college campuses.
And whereas Sigma Alpha Mu officially opposes the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.
Therefore, be it resolved, Sigma Alpha Mu will do everything in our power to strengthen ties between our undergraduate members, living alumni and the State of Israel.
This document outlines rules of engagement and provides answers to questions Fratres, alumni and other Fraternity stakeholders may ask. The fraternity is preparing a guide to address BDS on campus that will be distributed to all chapters. In addition, the ΣΑΜ Foundation offers Jewish Endeavors Initiatives grants for individuals and chapters to host or participate in programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Octagon expect of Sigma Alpha Mu members related the Pro-Israel Resolution?
The Octagon expects Sigma Alpha Mu members to become more educated on the issues. The Arab-Israeli conflict is complex and cannot be simplified into a bumper sticker.
What is the boycott, divest, and sanction (BDS) movement and why does Sigma Alpha Mu oppose it?
The BDS movement aims to delegitimize Israel through vicious, public attacks on campus, churches and communities. Sigma Alpha Mu opposes this movement because we believe Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state and we support the U.S.-Israel relationship because Israel is America's closest ally in the Middle East.
What do we mean in saying, “Sigma Alpha Mu will do everything in our power to strengthen ties between our undergraduate members, living alumni and the State of Israel?”
Sigma Alpha Mu is committed to helping its members and alumni become more educated on issues facing the State of Israel by providing resources and guidance in being proactive in supporting Jewish and Israeli concerns, including and especially the BDS movement.
If contacted by the media or campus newspaper, how should you respond?
Individual chapter members should not comment on behalf of the fraternity, deferring to the Chapter Prior.
The standard media relations of Sigma Alpha Mu apply. Contact ΣΑΜ Executive Director Andy Huston andyh@sam.org prior to any verbal or written response to media inquiries.
How does this impact non-Jewish members of Sigma Alpha Mu?
All members of Sigma Alpha Mu should be educated and aware of issues related to Israel.
Sigma Alpha Mu is developing opportunities for non-Jewish members to visit Israel on highly subsidized trips in partnership with other organizations.
How should chapters address acts of violence or Anti-Semitism on campus?
Report incidents immediately with the police, headquarters staff, and university administrators.
Document and photograph any acts of vandalism or damage to chapter property.
How should fraternity chapters address individual members that might oppose this resolution?
Our Creed calls for mutual moral aid and support. While we seek that ideal among our members, we must also strive to provide this mutual moral aid and support to Israel.
Open a dialogue about the issue with the individual member.
Note that any individual action taken not in line with this resolution shall not be affiliated or endorsed by the chapter.
Upon charges preferred by his chapter, the officers may take disciplinary action against an individual frater as outlined in the Blue Book.
What training is available for members of ΣΑΜ?
Interested chapters can schedule a meeting, conference or seminar with fraternity alumni and partner organizations to educate their members on this issue.
Additional training will be provided at ΣΑΜ educational programs.
What are ways in which you or your chapter can get involved?
Recruit Jewish members to travel to Israel on Taglit-Birthright programs.
Recruit non-Jewish chapter leaders to travel to Israel on subsidized trips.
Become active in already established pro-Israel student organizations on campus by co-sponsoring events and sending members to public lectures so that our undergraduate members can become more engaged on the issues.
What information should you report to Sigma Alpha Mu headquarters?
Number of students participating on birthright trips
Member involvement in pro-Israel organizations on campus
Member participation in events such as AIPAC
Any student government activity related to BDS
What are possible campus-based resources that members can seek out?
Hillel
Chabad on Campus
Israel on Campus Coalition
Anti-Defamation League
StandWithUs
For more information about this resolution or to get involved email israel@sam.org.
Resources
Following are several links to provide information about the BDS movement and context through various writings on the topic.
ΣΑΜ, ZBT, AEPhi, and SDT Partner on Battling Antisemitism and Discrimination on College Campuses
Greek Organizations Join Forces to Combat Campus Hate Crimes ZBT, ΣAM, AEΦ and ΣΔT leading the charge
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., June 4, 2015 — In a response to a rising tide of incidents of reported hate crimes such as anti-Semitism on college campuses, today Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority and Sigma Delta Tau Sorority announce their intent to provide programming that brings together men and women from across its chapters and colonies in a joint coalition to work toward stopping hatred, bigotry and discrimination on college campuses.
“As inclusive fraternities and sororities with strong ties to our Jewish heritage, we take a firm stance against those who would belittle our culture with prejudice and intimidation. Too many students are choosing hate over acceptance and that needs to come to an end,” ZBT Executive Director Laurence A. Bolotin said.
This new partenrship will utilize the strengths of these organizations to equip their brothers and sisters with the skills needed to not only combat anti-Semitism and hate on campus, but will also bring Greeks together to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment on college campuses.
This summer, the four organizations will work to develop programming intended to be interactive student-led conversations on tolerance, with real world applications and tools that can be immediately implemented. Workshops will launch this fall on campuses where all or most of the organizations have a presence.
Sigma Delta Tau Executive Director Debbie Snyder commented, “We are saddened by the ignorant public displays of anti-Semitism and other hate crimes that have appeared on college campuses. All students should feel welcome and safe on campus, and we as national organizations have the tools to assist in this effort.”
All four organizations encourage their brothers and sisters to be leaders on their campuses in promoting dialogue on breaking down stereotypes and stopping ignorance. Every individual student, chapter and international organization can take action that will support personal freedoms and equality for all. It is the hope and expectation that all brothers and sisters of each organization be champions for justice and advocates for all members of the university community.
"We decry the existence of continued anti-Semitism everywhere, and we are working to educate and inform those whose beliefs are hateful," said Sigma Alpha Mu Executive Director Lee Manders.
Alpha Epsilon Phi Executive Director Bonnie Wunsch said, "As a Jewish sorority, it is important that we, regardless of our individual members' religious backgrounds, stand together with other members of the Jewish community to foster acceptance and tolerance of all. There is strength in numbers, and the message that this combined effort will bring to campuses across the country is significant.”
As organizations who were formed in the days when Jewish men and women were excluded from joining the Greek community, ZBT, ΣAM, AEΦ and Σ∆T remain firmly committed to ensuring that tolerance and acceptance is practiced on all college campuses.
About Sigma Delta Tau
Sigma Delta Tau is a National women’s social sorority, founded in 1917 at Cornell University by seven Jewish women. The National Sorority has more than 60,000 members. SDT’s philanthropic partners include: Prevent Child Abuse America, Jewish Women International and Women for Women International. SDT provides intellectual, philanthropic, leadership and social opportunities within a framework of mutual respect and high ethical standards.
About Alpha Epsilon Phi
Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, founded October 24, 1909 at Barnard College in New York City, strives to inspire and support exemplary women dedicated to friendship and a lifelong commitment to Alpha Epsilon Phi while building on the vision of its Jewish founders.
About Sigma Alpha Mu
Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men; the organization has been inclusive since 1953. With Executive Offices located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 54 collegiate chapters and colonies and over 48,000 living alumni throughout the United States and Canada.
About Zeta Beta Tau
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity was founded in 1898 in New York City as the world’s first Jewish fraternity. ZBT is a Brotherhood of Kappa Nu, Phi Alpha, Phi Sigma Delta, Phi Epsilon Pi and Zeta Beta Tau. ZBT is represented on more than 90 campuses in the United States and Canada and has close to 130,000 undergraduate and alumni brothers throughout the world.
