Letter from the CEO: Don’t Tarnish the Badge

Letter from the CEO: Don’t Tarnish the Badge

Reinforcing our values through our actions 

Written for the Spring 2026 Issue of The Scroll

By Sean S. Wagner, Executive Vice President and CEO

When the Immortal Six founded Phi Delta Theta in 1848, they built more than a fraternity. They built a brotherhood rooted in Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude. Those principles were not abstract ideals—they were standards. 

Nearly two centuries later, that same standard calls us to lead with integrity in every area of our operations—especially health and safety. 

As Nat mentioned in his letter, this fall, we have witnessed an increase in chapters that have fallen short of our values. In past issues, I’ve shared our leadership in health and safety efforts, including being the first and largest fraternity to institute alcohol-free housing, supporting the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and much more. Although I wouldn’t trade our problems for those of any other fraternity, the fact remains that these issues reflect our society and the challenges of college campuses. Reinforced and multi-faceted leadership is required. For this reason, we are choosing to reinforce and recommit to the values we pledged to uphold by being transparent, building trust with chapters and volunteers, and strengthening our culture going forward. 

The increase in violations of our risk management policies ultimately led to the suspension of three chapters for related violations: Florida Alpha (University of Florida), New York Alpha (Cornell University), and Texas Xi (University of Texas at San Antonio). Two chapters—Illinois Eta (University of Illinois) and Texas Epsilon (Texas Tech University)—have been placed on escrow, with immediate steps taken by the chapters and their alumni to effect reform. For those disappointed alumni reading about their chapter’s suspension, know that we are committed to these campuses in future scenarios where both our values and the legacies of these chapters are held in high regard. 

These decisions are difficult and increasingly complex. They involve accountability for poor choices, as well as careful consideration of cooperation, university standing, alumni involvement, and long-term viability. In each case, members involved in serious violations have been or will be recommended for expulsion. 

Brotherhood requires accountability. Holding one another accountable is not punitive—it is protective. We are temporary stewards of something much larger than ourselves, and our responsibility is to ensure Phi Delta Theta remains strong for generations to come. 

Transparency matters. You read about the McKenzie Presidents Leadership Conference and the General Officers Conference within these pages. These conferences were opportunities to openly share both our challenges and the success stories of chapters that have worked collaboratively through investigations and discipline as we push forward together. 

Building trust is equally important. With a clear line in the sand drawn, we have reintroduced “Don’t Tarnish the Badge” to promote our chapter amnesty and Good Samaritan policies. When chapters come forward early, our priority is to help them address concerns and return to alignment. Chapters will not face penalties for seeking help before an issue escalates. 

We are also strengthening our culture. This includes implementing a new reporting platform, Real Response, and adjusting our staffing structure to improve case management and to provide chapters with better resources to improve their health and safety programming.  

Our promise to become the Greatest Version of Yourself cannot coexist with reckless behavior. Health and safety policies are not obstacles to a transformational experience—they are the foundation of it. 

These decisions have been difficult. But they reflect our values and provide opportunities for leaders to learn, grow, and recommit to the principles that define Phi Delta Theta. 

When we live our values consistently, we protect our legacy. And that is our enduring obligation—to one another, and to the generations who will follow.