Fostering Student Safety

Rae Ann and Steve Gruver spoke at the 2024 Convention. They shared the story of their son Max, who tragically passed as a result of fraternity hazing at LSU just 29 days into his freshman year in 2017. The Gruvers have been fighting hazing every since, including founding the Max Gruver Foundation, who's mission it is to raise awareness and prevent hazing on all campuses and in all organizations.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its members and the communities it serves. Our risk management policy, accessible at sam.org/risk, outlines guidelines and expectations that promote responsible behavior and reduce potential risks associated with fraternity operations and events at every level of the fraternity. By adhering to this policy, Sigma Alpha Mu upholds its values of leadership, integrity, and accountability.

The risk management policy addresses several critical areas, including alcohol and drug use, hazing prevention, sexual misconduct, event management, and general safety standards. These guidelines are designed to ensure the well-being of all members and guests while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws. This summer, the fraternity’s policies included additional updates to respond to high risk events, temporary structures, and unmanned aircrafts (drones).

Sigma Alpha Mu provides training and resources for chapter leaders and members related to these policies. The fraternity also encourages open communication to report any concerns or violations. Members who disregard the policy may face disciplinary action to uphold the fraternity’s standards.

By holding our chapters and members accountable to its risk management policy, Sigma Alpha Mu demonstrates its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and enriching experience for all its members and the broader community.

Additionally, the Good Samaritan Policy and the TRUTH Campaign are integral supplements to Sigma Alpha Mu’s Risk Management Policy, reinforcing the fraternity’s commitment to safety, accountability, and education. Both initiatives provide practical and ethical frameworks that empower members to uphold the highest standards of care and transparency in their interactions and decisionmaking.

The Good Samaritan Policy prioritizes the well-being of individuals by encouraging members to seek help in emergencies without fear of repercussions for minor policy violations. For instance, if a member or guest is in danger due to alcohol or drug use, the policy ensures that those who 911 for help will not face disciplinary action for their own infractions, as long as they act in good faith.

The TRUTH Campaign (Time to Report Unauthorized Traditions and Hazing) is a targeted initiative designed to eradicate hazing and other harmful practices by encouraging transparency and accountability within Sigma Alpha Mu chapters. This initiative directly supports the fraternity’s Risk Management Policy by creating a culture where members feel empowered to report unsafe or outdated traditions that conflict with the organization’s values. If you are aware of recent behaviors that violate our policies, please report them at https://sam. org/incident-report/.