Southern University has placed the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, on suspension.
The fraternity was suspended stemming from two separate incidents that occurred this past weekend.
According to Joseph K. Byrd, Vice President of Student Services at Xavier University, the Beta Sigma Chapter of the fraternity won second place ( and a$750.00 check) in a step show at Xavier University.
In a statement released to Robert Bennett, director of student life, Byrd claims that as they were exiting the gymnasium one member stated “we followed your rules and did a clean show and you still f*#ked over us! F*%k it and f#@k you!”
The next night on April 13 Louisiana State University sponsored a Springfest Greek Step Show at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. A police report released by Lieutenant Robert Jones of LSUPD states that the Omegas received second place in the contest, which the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity from LSU won the first place prize. As the first place check, worth $3000, was being awarded to Alpha Phi Alpha one member of Omega Psi Phi jumped up and grabbed the check tearing it.
The check was then grabbed back by members of Alpha Phi Alpha, when members of Omega Psi Phi began jumping on stage and fighting with members of Alpha Phi Alpha. An estimated 30 people took part in the brawl and approximately eight officers arrived on the scene to disperse the crowd. With help from other fraternity members the fight was broken up in about four minutes. Officers were able to prevent a second effort by both fraternities to continue fighting.
Also included in the statement by Jones is that he spoke with several witnesses and some said that it was Southern Universities’ Omegas combined with Omegas from LSU who instigated the situation.
In a letter sent to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., by Bennett he informed the fraternity that after a thorough investigation of the altercation the Omegas were found guilty of fighting. The investigation consisted of series of interviews and a conference with the Dean of Students at LSU.
“This incident is totally embarrassing to Southern University, the fraternity and the entire community of Baton Rouge,” said Bennett.
He informed the fraternity that was placing the members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi on suspension until the Spring of 2003; the suspension was to start upon immediate receipt of the notice, which was handed out on Tuesday April 16.
Due to the suspension members of Omega Psi Phi can not wear their letters, have programs, or participate in any campus activities. They must also complete 100 hours of campus service with Eli Guillory at the Physical Plant before next spring. Any further violations of the rules may result in expulsion of the fraternity.
Darian Howard, President of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., sent a written letter to the Digest, which stated:
The Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Southern University fully intends to appeal the decision to suspend the organization until Spring 2003. In accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, Student Organizations are subject to the same provisions as that of any individual student, which warrant due process. Beta Sigma has been accused of collectively engaging in an altercation with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Louisiana State University on April 13, 2002.
No interviews were conducted with the members of the Beta Sigma Chapter, or any other Greek organization, which were present at the event.
A statement was released to the DIGEST from the Beta Sigma Chapter that read:
“We, (the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), agree that the incident was embarrassing to the Pan-Hellenic Counsel and to all Universities and Colleges represented. The Beta Sigma Chapter acknowledges their presence and participation in the Greek Show and our dissatisfaction with the matter in which the Greek Show was managed. However, the Beta Sigma Chapter denies our involvement in the fight that took place between the three to five individuals lasting less than four minutes. The Beta Sigma Chapter did actively participate in separating members of both organizations representing numerous chapters from several colleges and universities within the region, including the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of Southern University. It is estimated that some one hundred Alphas and Omegas at both the undergraduate and graduate level were in attendance (Dillard, Xavier, LSU, Southern, Lafayette, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, etc.) The members of Beta Sigma are requesting a Pan-Hellenic Judiciary Hearing.”
The Beta Sigma Chapter has the right to appeal the decision if new evidence is found.
