You've watched the Gary DeVercelly Jr. story. It's important to talk about what it means. This guide offers a simple plan and a couple meaningful discussion questions so the conversation moves from reaction to commitment.

This references the Gary DeVercelly Hazing Prevention Program.

Talking about hazing prevention openly is how we make sure it doesn't happen, and how every member learns that preventing hazing is their job, not someone else's.

📌 Policy — Phi Kappa Tau prohibits hazing in any form. Associate Members are never required to do anything that endangers, embarrasses, or degrades them.

💡 Tip — Listen more than you talk. Your job is to ask, follow up, and let the class find the answers.

1. Many people join a fraternity for leadership. What does real leadership look like if tradition starts to feel unsafe?

2. Hazing affects more than the person hazed. It affects families, friends, and whole communities for years. How should that change the way we think about the choices we make as members?

✅ Best practice — Make sure every member knows how to report hazing and that calling for help in an emergency is always the right choice.

⚠️ Watch out — This story can hit hard. If a member seems upset, check in with him privately after the session and connect him with your BOG Chapter Advisor or with your chapter's Chaplain.

What if the class stays quiet?
If the class is quiet, wait a few seconds longer than feels comfortable, then share a short answer of your own to get things started.

What if a member shares that he has seen or experienced hazing?
If a member discloses hazing, thank him, take it seriously, and report it to your Chapter Advisor AND Phi Kappa Tau Executive Office right away.

Questions? Contact your Chapter Services Consultant

Last reviewed: September 2026