Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., (“Sigma”) requires directors, officers, employees, members and affiliates to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and when conducting sorority business or representing the sisterhood. As members, representatives, employees and/or affiliates of Sigma, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Protection Policy is intended to encourage and enable members, affiliates and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Sigma can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the duty of all sorority and affiliate members, Sigma employees, and prospective members who are participants in the sorority membership intake program to report concerns about violations of Sigma's Constitution and Bylaws, Disciplinary Action Policy, Social Media Policy, TORCH and Anti-Hazing Policies, Alcohol and Drug Policy, and all similar policies. Likewise, all employees, members, affiliate members, and prospective members must report suspected violations of law or regulations that govern Sigma's operations.
No Retaliation
It is contrary to Sigma's values for anyone to retaliate against any employee, officer, member, applicant for membership, or affiliate who in good faith reports a violation of any of Sigma's policies, or a suspected violation of law, such as suspected misappropriation of sorority funds or hazing. An employee, officer, or member who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment and/or expulsion from the sisterhood.
Reporting Procedure
Sigma has an open door policy and encourages all employees, members, prospective members and affiliates to share their concerns with their supervisor or local leadership. If you are not comfortable speaking with local leadership or are not satisfied with the response, use the established chain of command to escalate the matter. Suspected hazing must be reported within 24 hours and may be reported anonymously to the Regional Syntaktes, or to International Headquarters at 1-888-SGR-1922.
Compliance Officer
The International First Grand Anti-Basileus is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved as the designated compliance officer. The Compliance officer will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least biennially to the Grand Chapter on compliance activity, in partnership with the legal advisor(s).
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a written or verbal complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that are not substantiated and are proven to have been made maliciously or falsely will be viewed and treated as a serious disciplinary offense. Whistleblowers who themselves, are proven to have engaged in the same misconduct being reported will face disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable policy, but the sanctions imposed may be mitigated in light of the whistleblower’s good faith report.
Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted confidentially. Confidentiality will be maintained to the maximum extent possible consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Compliance Officer will send written acknowledgement of receipt of the complaint to the whistleblower. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted.