With Opportunity Comes Responsibility
By George Kininmonth (California State – Chico)
2024-2025 Alumni Chapter Officer of the Year
Every day we face the potential to witness or participate in behaviors that demean others, which raises an important question: Do we choose to intervene when such actions are suggested or occur? In 1869, the founding leaders of Sigma Nu Fraternity made a significant impact by opposing hazing and the harmful practices accepted at Virginia Military Institute at the time. This courageous stand for love, honor, and truth is why I joined Sigma Nu 45 years ago.
From a young age, many of us have witnessed or experienced hazing, bullying, or the mistreatment of others. Hazing can take many forms, ranging from using unkind nicknames and making jokes at someone else's expense to demanding humiliating and dangerous physical or mental tasks. Unfortunately, some view these dehumanizing behaviors as a way for both new and existing members to demonstrate loyalty. However, this must not be the case with all those who consider themselves Knights of the Legion of Honor. We must actively oppose and stop hazing because those of us who value honor will instinctively act against these behaviors out of love for others.
As honorable individuals, we have a responsibility to evaluate each situation—whether it is healthy or unhealthy, right or wrong—and to stand against hazing and any form of human degradation, be it physical, mental, or spiritual. It is our duty to lead by example and uphold the highest standard of integrity. We should not remain passive or complicit in fulfilling this sacred responsibility. Further, we should uplift, encourage, and support others. We must strive to transform every situation into one defined by health, support, and mutual respect, whether at home, in school, at work, or within our communities.
In the daily opportunities we encounter, we must respect, encourage, love, and honor one another. We have a responsibility to live by our timeless principles of love, honor, and truth. The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” remains as relevant today as it was for Sigma Nu leaders in 1869 and continues to guide how we interact with everyone we meet throughout our lives.
With every opportunity comes the responsibility to stand against hazing in all its forms. Are you ready to accept this responsibility? For those who value love, honor, and truth, and who care deeply about the wellbeing and character of others, acting honorably comes naturally. Are you prepared to meet that challenge? For a true Knight, the answer should be nothing less than a sincere and straightforward, “Yes.”