Dear Sisters, Members, and Community,

 

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. was founded on principles of sisterhood, service, academic excellence, and cultural awareness. Hazing has no place within those principles and no place within our organization.

As we continue to grow and strengthen Gamma Phi Omega, we must also be willing to examine our practices, reinforce our expectations, and hold ourselves accountable for protecting the well-being and dignity of every person who seeks membership in our Sisterhood.

Today, we are taking a stronger and more intentional stance against hazing.

As part of this commitment, Gamma Phi Omega is publishing an updated Anti-Hazing Policy, an Anti-Hazing Compliance Rubric, and an accessible Incident Reporting Form. Together, these resources are intended to provide clearer expectations, greater transparency, consistent accountability, and a straightforward process for raising concerns.

Our position is simple: tradition never outweighs safety, dignity, or respect. An activity does not become acceptable simply because it has occurred before, because others participated in it, or because it was intended to build sisterhood. Our traditions should strengthen our bonds—not cause fear, humiliation, harm, intimidation, or unnecessary risk.

Preventing hazing is a shared responsibility. It belongs to our National leadership, chapters, Process Teams, individual members, alumnae, and everyone entrusted with representing Gamma Phi Omega. We expect our members not only to refrain from hazing, but also to recognize concerning behavior, intervene when appropriate, seek guidance when uncertain, and report suspected violations.

We also recognize that accountability requires members to feel safe speaking up. Gamma Phi Omega prohibits retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, report concerns or participate in an investigation or accountability process.

Our goal is not simply compliance with a policy. Our goal is to foster a culture in which hazing is neither accepted nor normalized and where every person can experience the bonds of our Sisterhood without sacrificing their physical safety, emotional well-being, dignity, or personal values.

I ask every member to review these new resources carefully and consider the role each of us plays in protecting our organization and one another.

Sisterhood should empower. Sisterhood should support. Sisterhood should never harm.

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In Sisterhood,

Tiana Lugo

Vice President of Standards & Compliance
Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.