RIT has revoked recognition of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity (frat) chapter on campus after the organization was found responsible for violating multiple university policies, according to information published by the institute.
Sigma Alpha Mu, more commonly known as Sammy, had its recognition revoked in May 2026 for violations of the university’s Hazing Policy, Alcohol Policy and Endangering Behavior Policy per a Campus Hazing Transparency Report. The chapter is suspended until spring 2029. Chapters that lose recognition are not allowed to operate as official student organizations during the suspension period without consequences.
“We handle every case on a case-by-case basis… if we find that students aren’t adhering to the guidelines… we would revisit that conversation and determine if it’s just a need for re-education or if it’s a need for further conduct hearing,” said Aaron Tomassini, Director for the Center for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
Unrecognized? What does that mean?
An unrecognized chapter has had its official designation revoked either by the university or by the organization’s national headquarters. They do not have the same access to resources or room reservations through campus life. In accordance with RIT’s policies, students who continue to operate, recruit for or represent an unrecognized organization may be referred to the Student Conduct process.
“Recognition is not automatically restored when a suspension period ends,” Olivia Randazzo, Assistant Director for Campus Life, said. “Organizations must complete any conditions established by the university and demonstrate their ability to operate in accordance with university policies and expectations.”
Randazzo highlights the university’s hazing prevention efforts, making the point that the issue is on their radar, even when there are no active reports.
What Happened?
According to some Sammy members who preferred to remain anonymous, the incident described by the RIT Hazing report likely occurred during the Sammy initiation process. During this experience, “bigs” (mentors) treat their “littles” (initiates) to dinner, then drive them to a quiet location where a kidnapping scenario is played out. New members are blindfolded and taken to the garage of a fraternity house, where they are quizzed, strange music is played and they are given odd tasks like holding onto an object regardless of Sammy brothers attempting to convince them to hand it over.
After this is complete, a short ceremony is held where the tenets of the fraternity are read aloud and the new members sign papers to be formally initiated. Then the newly initiated gather in the basement, where according to one of the anonymous Sammy members, they are “told that there would be an activity ‘involving alcohol’ and if anybody wished to opt out, then would have been the best time.” The two anonymous Sammy sources as well as a Sammy Sweetheart (an honorary female member) stated a non-alcoholic option was provided for brothers who wished to participate without drinking.
This final activity is likely the one that the RIT Hazing Report refers to. One anonymous Sammy member stated that new members who do choose to partake in alcohol often throw up.
“I would say initiation is one of those events where people do go pretty hard, just because they’re very excited,” he said.
At this time, it is unclear who gave an account of these events to RIT. However, both the anonymous Sammy members and the Sammy Sweetheart suggested the whistleblower may have been a RIT alum who had left the frat before graduating due to internal issues. This has not been verified by the university or official correspondence with Sigma Alpha Mu National.
The Sammy Reputation
Though it is impossible to attest to the experience of every Sammy member, both of the anonymously interviewed brothers as well as the Sammy Sweetheart attested to their positive experiences with the frat. They described it as a place that welcomed all, and put special emphasis on the fact that many of the members — including the president — are completely sober.
According to the Sammy Sweetheart, “A bunch of guys that I’ve talked to in the chapter, that’s like their safe space… So yeah, I just think a bunch of them are devastated about what RIT has done.”
One of the Sammy members stated, “I didn’t have any brothers or sisters, so just to find people who I could be myself with who love me for who I was, were willing to be there when I struggled and cheer me on… I think that was like the biggest thing — why I got into this.”
He also mentioned being disappointed that this would make it so the frat could not continue conducting charity events as usual.
“[RIT] can’t tell guys they can’t go to a house party, and they can’t tell guys they can’t book a destination and go get suits and dance or whatever, but the only things we truly can’t do are philanthropy and community service.”
For the brothers who were not sober, in some cases the frat also reportedly provided a safe environment to experiment with substances.
Another Sammy brother stated, “Personally, as a freshman entering college I would have indulged, or overindulged, in alcohol whether I was in a fraternity or not. I’m grateful that the fraternity provided me with an environment in which I could experiment with alcohol in a supportive environment that ensured I was taken care of.”
What Are The Rules?
According to RIT policy, all types of hazing are prohibited regardless of intention. Hazing is also illegal under New York State law and can be a class A misdemeanor carrying a sentence of up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine. Check RIT policy and state and federal laws before engaging in behavior you are unsure about.
If you or someone you know is involved in hazing and you would like to report it, Public Safety or the RIT Ethics and Compliance Hotline can be made aware at any time. RIT’s Hazing Prevention page also offers a list of resources for students to discuss sensitive problems in a confidential, secure manner.
