Alphas, Kappas conflict result in events suspension

An altercation involving the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. during an Alpha probate Wednesday resulted in the suspension of some events and operations for both fraternities, according to Robert Bennett, Southern University dean of student life.
Witnesses’ accounts state the Alphas made negative references to the Kappas during the Alpha probate, which took place during what was initially designated as “Kappa Week,” a week designed for the Kappas to celebrate their fraternal history with the campus.
Allegedly, the Kappas’ intended to disrupt the Alpha “Death March,” which took place on the night before, however, nothing happened.
“When I first heard about it (the incident), I thought it was really bad and it was bad enough,” Bennett said. “But after I looked at the video today, I saw it was just a lot of pushing and shoving that occurred between the Kappas and Alphas. I didn’t see any punches thrown.
“It was initiated by the Alphas poking fun at the Kappas and using derogatory and vulgar language toward Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,” Bennett said.
Bennett dispelled rumors that other organizations were involved in the dispute that was broken up by the SU Police Department.
No arrests were made in the incident. But Bennett said all future Alpha events were suspended until further notice and without further explanation, said some Kappa events were suspended, including a scheduled fashion show.
No member of the Kappa’s Alpha Sigma chapter could be reached for comment and Hope Coleman, president of Southern’s Pan-Hellenic Council, declined to comment.
According to the Alpha’s Beta Sigma Chapter President Paul DeRousselle, the dispute was a minor altercation fueled by outside entities.
“Outside entities started the initial conflicts but some of the (Alpha) Neophytes said some things and apparently the Kappas felt disrespected,” DeRousselle said. “But Greek-bashing goes on every year. They say things about us and we say things about them.”
DeRousselle said he felt some people were making the incident to be more than what it was and said the Alphas’ were sorry the conflict ever came up.
“It’s actually nothing to talk about, and on behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha we would like to apologize for our actions,” DeRousselle said. “We don’t take things personally, this is nothing to us.”