In an important, decisive action to enhance health and safety in fraternity communities, the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) adopted a standard prohibiting hard alcohol from fraternity chapter facilities and events.
The resolution was introduced during the Aug. 27 NIC annual meeting by Sigma Chi through its voting delegate, 70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, who urged a universal health and safety standard among NIC member fraternities.
It was passed in a near unanimous vote and will take effect by Sept. 1, 2019, across more than 6,100 chapters on 800 campuses.
Modeled after Sigma Chi’s existing policy, the new NIC resolution prohibits the presence of alcohol products above 15 percent ABV in any chapter facility or at any chapter event, except when served by a licensed third-party vendor.
“At their core, fraternities are about brotherhood, personal development and providing a community of support. Alcohol abuse and its serious consequences endanger this very purpose,” says Judson Horras, NIC president and CEO. “This action shows fraternities’ clear commitment and leadership to further their focus on the safety of members and all in our communities.”
This is the latest in a series of NIC health and safety initiatives launched in the last year, including Conference-wide adoption of medical Good Samaritan policies; piloting further measures to reduce alcohol consumption; developing SocialSafe, an online event management platform and app; testing measures to reduce hazing in the new member experience; and advocating for stronger anti-hazing laws.
“Our IFC and member fraternities eliminated hard alcohol from facilities and events on our campus several years ago and have seen a positive shift in our culture when it comes to the health and safety of our members and guests,” says Seth Gutwein, PURDUE 2019, and president of Purdue University’s Interfraternity Council. “With all NIC fraternities implementing this critical change, it will provide strong support for fraternities to move as one to make campus communities safer.”
