STATE OF THE FRATERNITY

Written by Andy Huston (Minnesota, '01), Executive Director

It seemed like a regular start of a new school year until the point in which everything changed.

I was living in the Kappa Chapter House during 9/11. I remember hearing the news of the day unfolding, the anxiety of not knowing what else might happen, the long lines at the gas station down the street, and the sense of mourning we felt for all who were lost in the terrorist attacks. There was a latter sense of unity, rallying, and desire to help.

In the aftermath of the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, our undergraduate fratres have had some similar experiences to my own in 2001. The Fraternity’s pro-Israel statement shared on social media platforms was mirrored by many chapters.

The parallel then diverges with respect to student safety. Antisemitism on campus is not a new phenomenon, but it has become much more prevalent. The ADL has reported a 388% increase in antisemitic incidents.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has redoubled its efforts to focus on the health, safety, and well-being of our students. Sigma Alpha Mu is committed to ongoing efforts to promote Jewish life on campus, support the development of Jewish leaders, and combat antisemitism. This programming is made possible by alumni support of Sigma Alpha Mu and the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation.

In the days following October 7th, chapter leaders and advisors were provided communications and programming reinforcing our Pro-Israel Resolution (1) and the IHRA definition of antisemitism that was adopted by the Octagon.

We hosted a webinar with ADL on October 12th with more than 200+ attendees about the War in Israel and its Impact on College Campuses in partnership with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau. A resource guide to prepare for the International Day of Jihad and subsequent days of campus protests or walk-outs likely to include antisemitic incidents. We cohosted the Summit Against Hate program in a virtual format for students and volunteers on November 27th and an in-person session for campus professionals at the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting on the 29th.

In one case, the Eta Chapter at Syracuse University was explicitly named among other organizations with Jewish heritage as “complicit in genocide.” In many other cases, fratres have faced protesters chanting “From the River, to the Sea” and other disturbing chants.

The Ann Arbor Police Department is investigated hate-motivated vandalism, including antisemitic symbols, at two off campus University of Michigan fraternity houses, including Sigma Alpha Mu, seeking assistance from the community.

The Syracuse incident was thankfully met with a unified and collaborative response from local alumni leaders, university administrators, and fraternity staff that rallied to provide security from off-duty law enforcement while denouncing the hateful incident.

Securing our chapter facilities has become an expensive, unbudgeted proposition for chapters and house corporations. The hardening of security infrastructure including properly functioning doors, locks, and cameras are not tax-deductible donations due to our 501(c)7 status nor are we eligible to receive DHS grants that helped harden synagogues and day schools. At last tally, chapters have spent more than $30,000 on security guards. One volunteer shared, “I’m not sure how we’re going to pay for it, but we need to do it and will figure that out later.”

It is the price to pay to provide peace of mind. In one case, the guard intercepted two individuals from breaching our chapter house.

Challenging times also help shine a light on reasons to be hopeful. Our leaders have risen to the challenge. Many student fratres used sample messaging we provided to write their university administrations or have spoken out against antisemitic content in student government resolutions. Dozens of undergraduates attended the March for Israel rally in DC (as pictured on the cover), campus rallies, and Shabbat services with campus partners. Chapters have installed mezuzahs, displayed the Israeli Flag at their houses, and raised thousands of dollars for causes in Israel. These actions reflect a spirit of resilience and solidarity within the Sigma Alpha Mu community.

The spirit of mutual moral aid and support has provided unity and pride. As you will read in Around The Chapters, I believe the Sigma Alpha Mu has helped provide a degree of normalcy, structure, and distraction from the impact in Israel that continues to reverberate on campus. Life didn’t return to normal in the days and months after 9/11.

Sigma Alpha Mu is committed to helping our fratres navigate the new normal of their campuses while aggressively advocating for their safety and well-being. We need your help to mentor students, advise chapters, and influence university administrators now more than ever. Your support is crucial in ensuring the continued resilience and wellbeing of our fraternity community.

To learn more, go to sam.org/sigma-alphamu-support-israel.