Sorority placed on probation for alleged hazing

The Beta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has been placed on probation for allegedly hazing three potential members.
Bob Bennett, Director of Student Life, sent a letter to Crystal Joseph and Katina Semien, advisors for Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., on Tuesday, March 19 to inform them that they were officially placed on probation.
According to Bennett, the sorority was placed on probation for a Code I violation of rules 11 and 12 dealing with hazing and harassment. As stated in the Student Code of Conduct, any student who has violated any of the following regulations may be subject to the maximum sanction of expulsion.
“We (the University) will not tolerate hazing because it leaves the university, the sorority involved, the individuals and their parents open for lawsuits,” said Bennett.
Complaints were received from three female students who were interested in the intake process of the sorority. They alleged that 12 undergraduate members and one graduate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. hazed and harassed them repeatedly. They told authorities that they were forced to hold a dictionary on their heads for hours at a time and they were verbally and mentally belittled in an apartment off campus.
Bennett chaired a six-member committee that investigated the hazing claim. The committee consisted of a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., along with a member of Zeta Phi Beta Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Inc. and three members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.
After the investigation of the allegations, Bennett recommended sanctions for the Beta Psi Chapter and sent letters out to the chapter’s advisors Joseph and Katina to inform them of the probation.
“It is important to know that they are on probation and not suspended. They are still allowed to wear their letters and have an intake process, but if they break any rule during this probationary period then they would be suspended from the university,” said Bennett.
The Beta Psi Chapter has been placed on probation until the Spring semester of 2003. During this time frame the 13 members of the sorority who were listed in the hazing incidents will not be allowed to participate in the membership intake process. They must complete 100 hours of community service with an assigned university agency and not represent the Beta Psi chapter in any sorority matters. It is also recommended that they attend the SU Pan-Hellenic Council sponsored hazing workshop. Advisors and/or graduate chapter members must supervise membership intake for the sorority.
The letter also recommended that apology letters be written to the students that were hazed in addition to them being added to the membership intake process within 24 hours of the notice provided they meet all requirements of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. The sorority has the right to appeal the decision within 48 hours only if there is new evidence or different information is received in the investigation hearing committee.
The advisors could not be reached for comment at press time.