Phi Delta Theta Reinforces Ongoing Support for Don’t Tarnish the Badge
Phi Delta Theta is committed to fostering a safe, values-based fraternity experience rooted in Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude, but recognizes that chapters may encounter situations where behavior does not align with Fraternity policies or values.
Behaviors that may initially seem minor or negligible can and do escalate over time. When left unaddressed, these actions put members at risk and can lead to serious consequences, including chapter closures. Early intervention, transparency, and a willingness to seek help are essential to preventing harm and protecting our brotherhood.
Amnesty and Good Samaritan Policies
Don’t Tarnish the Badge, Phi Delta Theta’s amnesty program, exists to support chapters that recognize a misalignment with Fraternity risk management policies and want help correcting course before issues escalate. Don’t Tarnish the Badge means looking out for one another, stepping in when concerns arise, and choosing transparency over silence.
This program provides chapters the opportunity to seek support, address concerns, and rebuild a healthier chapter culture without fear of punishment for coming forward in good faith. Chapters work collaboratively with General Headquarters, province presidents, and advisers to align chapter practices with the Cardinal Principles and Fraternity policies while prioritizing the health and safety of members, guests, and campus communities. Then, a customized action plan is developed that outlines clear expectations, resources, and support structures to address cultural concerns, strengthen accountability, and support long-term chapter success.
In addition, Phi Delta Theta’s Good Samaritan Policy reinforces that member safety always comes first. Members should never hesitate to seek medical or emergency assistance out of fear of disciplinary consequences. When someone needs help, making the right call is the expectation. Our brotherhood comes with responsibility, care, and the courage ‘to do what ought to be done.’
Together, these programs exist to remove fear of coming forward and ensure that safety and transparency take precedence over silence.
Phi Delta Theta’s Anti-Hazing Efforts
Phi Delta Theta holds the safety of every member of the Fraternity, as well as the members of their campuses and communities in the highest regard. If discovered, the Fraternity takes swift disciplinary action against chapters or individuals responsible. Hazing is contrary to the purpose of fraternity, let alone Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Phi Delta Theta remains steadfast in its opposition to hazing and continues to take a proactive leadership role through national partnerships and advocacy efforts, including:
- Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Max Gruver Foundation created Take Action: Building New Traditions to further anti-hazing education in high schools to ensure that no more lives are affected by hazing.
- Phi Delta Theta proudly supports the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which requires each higher-education institution to maintain and update biannually a publicly accessible webpage disclosing student organization hazing violations of the institution’s code of conduct.
These efforts reflect the Fraternity’s belief that prevention, education, and accountability are essential to protecting students and strengthening fraternity culture.
Real Response
To further support transparency and early intervention, Phi Delta Theta is implementing Real Response, an anonymous reporting platform, throughout February. It will allow any student to anonymously report a concern via text or email. Once submitted a staff member will guide the student through the anonymous reporting process without revealing the name and number of the submitting student.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Don’t Tarnish the Badge?
Our amnesty program, Don’t Tarnish the Badge, allows chapters to proactively seek help if they are concerned that their chapter is not fully aligned with Phi Delta Theta’s risk management policies or values. The goal is to support chapters in correcting issues early, strengthening culture, and creating a safer experience for members and Phikeias.
This program exists to help chapters—not to punish them for asking for help.
Why does this program exist?
The Fraternity recognizes that chapters may experience challenges related to alcohol, hazing, or other conduct issues. When concerns are identified early, Phi Delta Theta would rather work alongside chapters to address them before someone is harmed or serious consequences occur.
Seeking help early protects members, chapters, and the future of the Fraternity.
Any chapter with a sincere interest in reform and a genuine desire to improve chapter culture may participate. The program is open to all chapters that voluntarily come forward and are willing to commit to change.
How does a chapter request amnesty?
The opportunity to request amnesty is open-ended. There is no deadline or end date. Chapters are encouraged to reach out as soon as concerns arise.
A request can be made:
- In person at a Fraternity event or chapter visit
- By phone
- By email
- Through your province president
Requests must be made directly to General Headquarters staff, a General Council member, or facilitated by your province president.
What types of issues can amnesty cover?
- Alcohol and event management
- Substance-free housing
- Some hazing behaviors, provided:
- The behavior was immediately stopped
- No medical attention was required
- Alcohol or drugs were not involved
Each request is evaluated individually. Any chapter of Phi Delta Theta is eligible to request enrollment in the amnesty program. An incident reported by a third party, including the host institution, is not eligible for amnesty.
Who can request participation on behalf of a chapter?
Ideally, the request comes from the chapter president or another chapter officer. It is strongly recommended that the chapter executive board supports the request.
A group of concerned members may also initiate a request if chapter leaders are unwilling to act. In these cases, leadership changes may be required to support progress.
What is the Good Samaritan Policy?
The health and safety of our members and guests is of primary concern for Phi Delta Theta. Any time a member or guest is injured or displays signs of physical distress, our members have a duty to “do what ought to be done” by intervening to seek appropriate professional assistance for the person(s) in distress. Thus, Phi Delta Theta encourages its members to act as Good Samaritans.
A Good Samaritan:
- Calls 911 or seeks on-site assistance if such assistance is readily available.
- Stays with the person in distress until that party has been physically taken into the care of emergency service professionals (police, fire, ambulance, medical).
- Reports the incident to General Headquarters staff.
Can the request be anonymous?
No. Requests cannot be anonymous. Ownership, transparency, and member buy-in are critical to the success of the program.
What happens after a request is made?
Once a request is confirmed as legitimate:
- General Headquarters staff will conduct an initial assessment
- Chapter advisers and province leadership will be notified
- Honest conversations will take place about what needs to change
Each chapter receives a custom action plan based on its specific challenges and needs.
Will the whole chapter know?
Yes. Once amnesty is accepted, the chapter must notify all members within 48 hours. Transparency within the chapter is essential for success.
What is expected of the chapter once amnesty is accepted?
Participation requires real commitment from the chapter.
- All risk management violations must stop immediately
- Members are expected to support the action plan
- A recommitment retreat or educational sessions may be required
- Resistance to change may result in individual member interviews or removal
Does accepting amnesty mean the chapter is in trouble?
No. Accepting amnesty means the chapter is taking responsibility and choosing to address concerns early. The Fraternity’s priority is education, support, and prevention—not punishment.
Will the chapter still receive support during the process?
Yes. Chapters enrolled in the program receive ongoing support from General Headquarters staff, province leadership, and local advisers. Support typically includes regular check-ins, education, and guidance tailored to the chapter’s needs.
What if a member is unsure whether something violates policy?
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth asking. Chapters are encouraged to reach out early for clarification and guidance rather than waiting for a situation to escalate.
How does this align with “Don’t Tarnish the Badge”?
This program is a direct reflection of Don’t Tarnish the Badge. Upholding our values means recognizing when help is needed and stepping in to protect brothers.
Who should we contact if we have questions?
Reach out to:
Asking questions early helps protect your chapter and the people in it.
