Non-Discrimination Membership Selection Policy 

Kappa Delta Sorority does not tolerate any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religious affiliation, disability, veteran status, national origin or sexual orientation. We consider for membership all who self-identify as women and who meet our high standards in the areas of character, academics and leadership potential. Kappa Delta in furtherance of our mission remains a woman-centered organization. Members must accept and share in the collective values and experiences of our sisterhood. 

Inclusion Philosophy  

In Kappa Delta, we value the unique perspectives and lived experiences each sister brings to our organization. When rooted in care and understanding these differences make our sisterhood truer, wiser and more loving. Kappa Delta is committed to fostering a sorority experience where every sister feels valued and knows she belongs. We will advance an inclusive sisterhood through our initiatives and programs, policies and procedures and organizational operations. We are dedicated to offering equitable opportunities and experiences so each member can grow personally and professionally throughout her lifelong journey. We seek to build confidence in women and inspire them to be active leaders, and we aim to embody that through our dedication to inclusion, equity and diversity.  

Harm Reduction Policy 

The mission of the Harm Reduction Policy is to foster a positive, healthy, and equitable social experience that focuses on the safety and well-being of Kappa Delta members and guests. This policy recognizes a set of strategies aimed at the reduction of adverse effects often associated with substance use and other high-risk behaviors. The harm reduction policy reflects each member’s responsibility to make informed decisions, take care of each other, and to prioritize education, wellness, and care. 

Include in the Harm Reduction Philosophy the following sections: 

• Alcohol: All federal, state, and local laws governing the legal drinking age and distribution of alcoholic beverages must be upheld. Alcohol shall not be served to any person who is visibly intoxicated. Chapter members may not purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to minors at chapter functions. Members should be informed that the chapter, and potentially individual members, could be held legally responsible if this law is violated. No chapter may purchase alcohol with sorority funds, regardless of state law. No individual may coordinate the collection of funds to purchase alcohol for a Kappa Delta sponsored or co-sponsored event. *For the full Alcohol policy please see the Member Handbook in the opens in a new windowResource Library. 
• Illegal Substance Policy: Drug use of any kind, regardless of state law, is prohibited at Kappa Delta-sponsored or co-sponsored events. Any known repeated use or possession of an illegal substance or the distribution of an illegal substance is prohibited and will be grounds for disciplinary action, including national probation and, in the case of a new member, lifting of her pledge. *For the full Illegal Substance policy please see the Member Handbook in the opens in a new windowResource Library. 

Safe Sister: Amnesty Policy

The health, safety, and wellbeing of all members and guests of Kappa Delta is of upmost importance. The purpose of this Safe Sister: Amnesty Policy is to encourage and emphasize safety and care as a priority for Kappa Delta members rather than inaction driven by fear of punitive consequences. This amnesty policy related only to action by Kappa Delta headquarters, or local Kappa Delta entities and does not limit the authority of law enforcement personnel or university staff to act as required at the time of an alleged violation of policy, state or local laws.

Impairment or Incapacitation Due to Substances

Kappa Delta strongly advises members to actively seek medical assistance immediately for themselves or others in the event of impairment or incapacitation due to drug or alcohol use by a member or guest of Kappa Delta.

Active assistance activities could include, but are not limited to:

• Calling 911, campus police, fire or EMS, and waiting until help arrives and cooperating with officials on scene.
• Notifying university officials that a medical emergency related to substance use is occurring and that you have called for help.
• Monitoring the intoxicated member or guest’s condition, communicating the condition with officials, and/or turning the member or guest on their side to prevent choking, obstructed airways, or vomiting.

If medical assistance is sought immediately and actively, members could be exempt from punitive consequences. Exemption from punitive consequences will be considered for members who were present and assisted with seeking care for individuals in need. However, meetings with the accountability and support board will still be required. The board will utilize meetings for educational purposes or conversations and still have the right and authority to assign educational directives because of the incident.

Amnesty would not be provided in the following circumstances:

• Members who do not stay to monitor the situation or fail to fully cooperate with emergency officials on scene.
• Members who do not cooperate with KDHQ, campus officials, or others after the conclusion of the medical emergency, including any attempt to cover up information related to the incident.
• Drug distribution.
• Violations that occur as a result of hazing or that violate the Kappa Delta policy on hazing.
• Repeat or egregious violations.

Reproductive Health Choices:

Kappa Delta supports its member’s individual choices regarding their reproductive health. A member may rely upon this amnesty policy and should not be disciplined, nor required to attend an accountability and support board meeting, for her reproductive health choices. Additionally, a member should not be disciplined, nor required to attend an accountability and support board meeting, for supporting, aiding or assisting another individual’s (member or non-member) reproductive health choices.

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing is defined as any activity, action taken, or situation created, whether on or off sorority premises, that has the reasonable potential to produce mental, emotional, or physical harm, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule, regardless of the victim’s willingness to participate.  

Any form of hazing, regardless of intent, is prohibited in Kappa Delta Sorority.  

Kappa Delta is concerned about the human dignity and well-being of all people and expects its members to treat themselves and one another with respect. Hazing is in direct conflict with Kappa Delta’s values and has no place in the lives of those who are building confidence in others. 

Kappa Delta does not permit demeaning, undignified or harmful actions in any sorority activities.  

No Kappa Delta member or new member should ever engage in or allow any hazing activity, including participating in hazing activities of another group.  

Due to the hazing connotations associated with paddles, paddles are prohibited as gifts in Kappa Delta. *For the full Anti-Hazing policy please see the Member Handbook in the opens in a new windowResource Library. 

Examples of Hazing Behaviors 

Hazing activities and situations include, but are not limited to:  

• Providing and encouraging or forcing the consumption of alcoholic beverages, any food or any other substances. 
• Activities that disorient or intimidate. 
• Targeting specific chapter classes for specific tasks. 
• Scavenger hunts, treasure hunts or kidnaps. 
• Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery such as the wearing of publicly conspicuous apparel. 
• Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, including sexual acts. 
• Paddling in any form. 
• Interrogations or verbal abuse. 
• Bullying, including cyberbullying. 
• Coercion, threats or shaming. 
• Physical and/or psychological shock. 
• Creation of excess fatigue. 
• Any other activities, which are not consistent with sorority regulations, policies of the host institution and applicable law.

Any member who witnesses or is the victim of hazing should call the Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) or visit fraternallaw.com/contact/antihazing-hotline. All members are expected to report any hazing activities. The health and safety of members is paramount. 

For more information on Kappa Delta’s positions and policies, members may access the Member Handbook by logging into the opens in a new windowResource Library.