Tau Epsilon Phi (TEΦ) Fraternity’s Amnesty Policy provides a chapter, provisional chapter, interest group, or alumni association (“local group”) the opportunity to seek amnesty for engaging in activities that are in violation of Fraternity or University policy, including but not limited to hazing, alcohol, or financial impropriety. By coming forward and admitting to this activity prior to TEΦ discovering it independently, a local group may avoid disciplinary action by the Fraternity, or enlist the Fraternity’s help in mitigating punishment from outside entities, such as the University or law enforcement. In response to the amnesty request, the Fraternity will require the local group to enter into a Diversion Agreement, which may include remedial actions, diversionary programs, or other requirements to correct past action and establish proper behavior into the future.
When does it apply? When can a chapter be granted amnesty?
Amnesty is granted when a local group admits to a violation prior to an allegation or report from an individual or outside entity. Admittance can occur upon notification to the Executive Director, International Consul, or another member of the staff of TEΦ.
The local group must cease and desist from the activities in question prior to reporting it to TEΦ and requesting amnesty.
Who can grant amnesty?
Amnesty may be granted by the Grand Council of TEΦ.
What is required once amnesty is granted?
Once the local group notifies the Fraternity; the International Consul, or his designee, will then meet with the local group to acquire more information about the incident(s) or activity(ies) in question, and report to the Grand Council who will determine (1) whether or not to grant amnesty; (2) to what degree others, including University officials, law enforcement, or others would need to be notified and/or engaged; and (3) what type and length of remedial programs or activities the local group would be subject to.
What happens if amnesty is not granted?
The Fraternity may chose not to grant amnesty given the circumstances presented during the investigation of the incident(s) or activity(ies). If amnesty is not granted, the Fraternity will take whatever action is deemed appropriate against the local group permitted under the Constitution, National Bylaws, or policies of the organization.
What happens if the chapter, provisional chapter, interest group, or alumni association continues to engage in the activities in question after amnesty has been given?
If the activity persists or recurs after amnesty has been given, the local group, and the individual undergraduate or alumni Brothers involved with the previous activity or incident that had been admitted to will also be considered in any disciplinary decision.
As a condition of being granted amnesty, the local group must fully comply with the amnesty requirements set forth by TEΦ in the time period allotted. Failure to do so may subject the local group to disciplinary action.
Outside actions taken as a result of amnesty.
Local groups must be aware that the Fraternity cannot avoid or eliminate potential liability for these incident(s) or activity(ies) as a result of amnesty. The point of this policy is to try and avoid harsher repercussions in the future. Any legal liability (criminal or civil), University disciplinary action, or consequences resulting from violations of the Fraternity’s insurance policy may still attach to the activity. Amnesty only applies to the repercussions resulting from the Fraternity, and cannot stop other potential penalties. The Fraternity will, however, work with the local group to provide for the best legal representation or advocacy possible, should amnesty be sought.