Pledging is not a "weed-out" period. When Sigma Chi invites a man to pledge our Fraternity, it is because we already see that he emulates our Jordan Standard (see Standards), the necessary quality of a true Sigma Chi.  If we invite you to Pledge, you have already earned the right to be Initiated as a full member. If a pledge is asked to leave the program, this reflects poorly on the active membership and the recruitment process; it means we did not do OUR job correctly. We want every one of our pledges to become a full member. It's about "learning," not "earning."

Pledging in not about hazing. Sigma Chi defines the strictly prohibited act of hazing as follows: "Hazing is an act performed by any Sigma Chi or pledge member that results in an environment of servitude or in any way endangers or demeans any Sigma Chi or pledge member, regardless of that person's willingness to participate in that act." This means that even if someone is willing to go along with it, an act can still be considered hazing. 

Not only is hazing counterproductive, it is both immoral and against the law. One of the core values of Sigma Chi is Justice, and hazing utterly violates that value. It is our duty as Sigs not only to refrain from hazing, but to prevent it from occurring either inside or outside of our Fraternity. The concept of Justice applies not only to our Brothers, but to everyone around us.

Pledging is not a time of servitude. Treating pledges as second-class citizens and forcing them to perform menial tasks is hazing. It is also counterproductive, as the overall purpose of pledging is to bring new members into our Brotherhood. Treating pledges as though they are not part of our Fraternity serves only to divide. There will be times when cleaning and seemingly menial work needs to be done, then ALL members are expected to participate equally.

Pledging is not about physical or psychological abuse. These types of actions are all classified as hazing. Pledges should be treated like Brothers. No one would expect to build a lasting, trusting bond with someone who degrades or abuses him. We want the strong bonds of Brotherhood with the entire Chapter, not the mistrust caused by those who haze.

You can read more in the Fraternity's official Statement of Position Concerning Pledge Education and the Ritual.