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When a Brother Crosses the Line: Chapter Response

For Chapter Leader / Exec Board

When a member commits sexual misconduct, the chapter's response defines its culture. This playbook covers the immediate response, the standards board process, coordination with the university, and the longer-term work of rebuilding trust. It emphasizes that protecting a brother who harmed someone is not loyalty — it's complicity.

Steps

  1. Immediately separate the accused from any contact with the survivor — no 'mediation' or 'talking it out.'
  2. Contact your chapter advisor and national headquarters risk management within 24 hours.
  3. Cooperate fully with the university Title IX office and law enforcement — do not interfere with their processes.
  4. Convene the standards board for an internal review, following your bylaws and due process.
  5. Communicate to the chapter without sharing details: 'A member has been accused. We are cooperating with the university. We will not tolerate this behavior. Support resources are available.'
  6. Offer the survivor, if comfortable, connection to campus advocacy resources — never contact her directly unless she requests it.
  7. After resolution, hold a chapter-wide conversation about accountability, consent, and what brotherhood actually means.
  8. Review and strengthen your standards and prevention education for the next semester.