The University of Tennessee - Knoxville | Chi Chapter
NATIONAL POLICIES
Delta Phi Lambda's goal is to keep our Sisters accountable by upholding the values and principles of the Sorority at all times.
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Alcohol & Drugs Policy
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The possession, sale, use, or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on
chapter premises or during a Sorority event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the Sorority should be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city, and institution of higher education, and should comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines. BYOB is defined as one (1) six-pack of 12-ounce beers or one (1) four pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage.
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No alcoholic beverages should be purchased through or with chapter funds nor should 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 discouraged.
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OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the Sorority without specific invitation, where alcohol is present are not recommended. Any event with alcohol present that can or will be associated with an entity of a Sorority should require a guest list prepared twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the event. It is recommended that a list of those who attend be maintained for several years.
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No members, collectively or individually, should purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
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It is recommended that the possession, sale, or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises, during a Sorority event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the Sorority be prohibited.
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No chapter should co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern is 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 could be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of the organization and college or university policy.
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No chapter should co-sponsor, co-finance, attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or organizations.
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All recruitment activities associated with any chapter should be non-alcoholic. No recruitment activities associated with any chapter should be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
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No organization, member, pledge, associate/new member, or novice should 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.
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No alcohol should 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 Sister/Little sister” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and initiation.
Hazing Policy
No chapter, colony, member, or alumna of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.® shall condone, conduct, or participate in hazing activities in any form. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as:
"Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off sorority premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol, 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 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, 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."
Sexual Violence & Harassment Policy
Delta Phi Lambda® and its members must comply with federal, state, provincial, and local laws related to sexual violence and harassment. This policy includes, but is not limited to, definitions around consent, sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation.
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The Sorority 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 includes any actions, activities, or events, whether on chapter premises or off-site locations, which are demeaning, ranging from but not limited to verbal harassment to sexual assault by individuals or members acting together.
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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 or date auctions, that are abusive or demeaning to human beings.
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The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers, or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a Sorority event is prohibited.
Sexual Violence & Harassment Response Protocols:
Delta Phi Lambda® is committed to fostering the importance of disciplinary standards as they relate to the mission and virtues of the Sorority. Judicial policies have been established to protect the Sorority’s purpose, provide safe and approved Sorority activities, and safeguard the interests of respective university communities by asking members to uphold the rules and regulations of the universities that allow Delta Phi Lambda® chapters to exist and operate.
Anti-Retaliation Policy
Delta Phi Lambda® prohibits retaliation against any individual – members and non-members – for reporting, inquiring, or cooperating with a report around a violation of the Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy. Retaliation is any action, statement, or behavior designed to punish an individual for filing a compliance report, cooperating with a compliance investigation, seeking guidance regarding a compliance concern, or deterring one from taking such action. Anyone filing a formal complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in Good Faith and be based upon a reasonable belief. Delta Phi Lambda® prohibits retaliation even if the concerns raised in good faith are not confirmed following an investigation. Members engaging in the following activities, after a complaint is made, may be found in violation of the Anti-Retaliation Policy:
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Communicating with the respondent or opposing party in an investigation, complaint, or charge, whereas the communication could be interpreted as undue influence and harassment for the involved parties
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Reprimanding members or giving inadequate performance evaluations based on personal interactions rather than professional work ethic
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Assigning members to less desirable positions or making it difficult for them to perform Sorority work
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Engaging in verbal or physical abuse towards the respondent or other parties involved in the complaint
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Spreading false rumors
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Treating members negatively based on their associations with the involved parties
The Anti-Retaliation Policy immediately goes into effect after the respondent makes a formal complaint with the Sorority, meaning that actions during the interim period before and after an active investigation are covered in this policy.
Automobiles & Transportation Policy
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.
We also recommend against “Safe” or “Designated Driver” programs because while they are well intentioned, they present significant claims potential.
Use of personal vehicles shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner/operator. Any individual who drives or provides transportation in conjunction with Sorority activities shall obey all applicable motor vehicle laws, including those concerning vehicle safety, vehicle operation, financial responsibility, and the transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Operators shall ensure that vehicles are properly maintained and are operated in a safe manner. Rental vehicles shall be operated in accordance with rental contracts.
Financial Responsibility laws generally impose responsibility for accidents on the driver or owner of vehicles. The Sorority assumes no responsibility or liability and provides no insurance to drivers or owners of vehicles for accidents, injuries, or for any damages to vehicles not owned by the Sorority that may be used in conjunction with Sorority activities.
Members' Personal Property Policy
Use of personal property in sorority activities shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the owner. The Sorority assumes no liability or responsibility for any loss or damage to any personal property of members even if used in conjunction of Sorority activities.
Weapons, Firearms, & Personal Protection Items Policy
For the safety of its members and guests, no Sorority member or guest may carry a weapon or firearm of any kind while conducting Sorority business, acting on behalf of, or attending any event in the name of the Sorority. Personal protection items, such as pepper spray, alarms, or whistles, may be carried and used if needed.
High Risk Events Policy
Chapters cannot afford the exposure of sponsoring, organizing, endorsing, or participating in events or activities which involve a high-risk of physical injury or damage to property. While no definitive list of such events can be given, Chapters must take a common sense approach to evaluating the risk of a particular event or activity. Examples of high-risk events include, but are not limited to the following: bungee jumping, parachuting, low ropes courses, athletic events such as boxing, rooftop functions, water skiing, or other water-related activities, especially those activities which relate to any type of temporary pool or water slide.
Unrecognized Groups Policy
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®.
For those Greek-letter organizations that are recognized by their university, there should be current and substantial policies and protocols in place in the event of an incident between member organizations. Recommended criteria for measuring an organization’s stance on sexual violence and harassment are included in the appendix. Chapters or groups of members who are operating as a Chapter that violate this policy will be referred to the National Board of Directors for investigation.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
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.
Political Neutrality Policy
The essential functions of Delta Phi Lambda® require strict institutional neutrality, integrity, and independence regarding partisan political activities. This policy is designed to protect the neutrality of the Sorority in the course of political activities that involve members of the Sorority and to preserve the Sorority’s tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.
The Sorority must remain neutral on any political candidate or political campaign, and shall not:
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Provide material support, whether monetary or otherwise (including the publishing or distribution of statements) concerning political candidates or campaigns.
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Utilize the Sorority’s entity, letterhead, or any other signifier in such a way that an implied or actual endorsement or condemnation of a candidate or campaign can be reasonably inferred.
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Engage in communication or advocacy on public policies outside of the Sorority’s values or may be inferred to align with any particular government, administrative agency, government official, political party, politician, political campaign, insurgent group, terrorist entity, or political agenda.
The Sorority does recognize the responsibility to its mission and its Dedicated Female Leaders®. Appropriate opportunities for learning and civic engagement are further defined in the Operations Manual without compromising the Sorority’s policy to maintain institutional neutrality. Further concerns on the provisions of this policy shall be addressed by the Judicial Chairman.
Fire, Health, & Safety Policy
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Any chapter with four (4) or more Sisters in a single residence should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
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All chapters should post emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance by common phones and in other locations. Evacuation routes should be posted on the back of the door of each sleeping room.
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All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the
insurance company or municipal authorities.
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The possession and/or use of firearms, explosives or incendiary devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house are prohibited.
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Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms except under controlled circumstances such as initiation.