for fraternities
You call each other brothers. That should mean you can tell each other when something is wrong. If someone makes a rape joke, pressures someone into sex, or humiliates a younger member, brotherhood cannot become the excuse for protecting him. And “we all went through it” cannot justify another year of hazing. Taking the C-50 Pledge means committing to speak up, get help, report harm, and stop covering for people because they’re your friends. Upperclassmen and chapter leadership must go first. You cannot ask a new pledge class to change a culture the men running the chapter refuse to change themselves.
The c-50 Pledge for Fraternities
Being someone’s brother means being willing to tell him when he’s wrong. I will not use brotherhood as a reason to stay quiet.
I pledge to:
Call out degrading language, rape jokes, harassment, and sexual pressure—even when it comes from a friend or chapter leader.
Refuse to participate in hazing, forced drinking, sexualized rituals, or humiliation. “We all went through it” is not a reason to keep doing it.
Step in safely and get help when someone may be in danger. I will take concerning messages seriously and will not assume another brother will handle it.
Report suspected sexual violence and dangerous hazing through appropriate channels. I will tell the truth, preserve evidence, and never help someone cover up what happened.
Listen when someone tells me they have been harmed. I will not blame them, pressure them to stay quiet, or retaliate against anyone who speaks up.
Hold my chapter to these commitments after the signatures are collected.
Upperclassmen and chapter leadership go first. Every existing member must commit before this pledge is extended to a new pledge class. Younger members deserve to see their leaders practice what they ask of others.
I will hold my brothers accountable for their actions and their language. It stops with me.
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