Kappa Sigma Zeta - Dechartered?
 

Brothers,

I bring bad news to our roundtable.

I see that on the main part of this website there is news breaking from www.alfred.edu that all greeks there are being dissolved due to trustees deciding Greeks are too negative.

Our Alfred chapter has just been rechartered in October of 2001.

Now I know that we had a huge debate on our thread "independent chapter" thread about chapters getting the boot for their colleges etc.

However- I suspect LCA will pull the plug on our chapter there. Which if they do is bullshit as far as I'm concerned. Now they havent done anything yet, but based on their past track record, I'm fairly confident these guys are going to get the proverbial shaft.

So Im going on record for our chapter there this evening and say this: Lambda Chi Alpha SHOULD support our chapter there, as they have done no wrongdoing at all, and in fact have just completed the stringent requirements for chartering. We should also support this group off-campus as long as they adhere to the standards (which are pretty damn tough anyway) as set forth by the GHZ.

We wouldn't punish all muslim americans for the acts of a few terrorists, therefore we shouldnt punish our brothers with the excommunication of their undergraduate charter for the actions of the overall Greek community. This very action seems very anti-American to me.

Again- this is a rough spot for our Fraternity, and I'd really like to see our International HQ step up to the plate for our brothers in Southern New York. I beleive our chapter can exist at AU without the college's direct aid or recognition.

We'll see how it plays out.

IN ZAX

Jason Lenox

Agreed
 

But with our org, money will be the deciding factor, and IHQ will expect the alums of KSZ to let their wallets do the talking. Its Just the simple truth.

I understand it, and dont have a problem with it as long as the staff is honest about it and doesnt insult us all by pretending that that kind of thing doesnt happen.

Really, do any of us here honestly think a chapter like Texas Wyeslian gets the same consideration as a Ball State or Valapariso, when it comes to alum influence?

I dont.

Hell, Keep 'em open. It'd be about daymn time LXA grew some balls and stood up for what it believed in. Take a stand instead of just talking about taking a stand. Last time we took a stand on anything was 72 with AM's or 85 with the Standard of Chapter excellence. Havent done shit in the last 12 years, 'cept react.

I agree, I'd like to see Nationals stand up for anything, AT ALL...but then again I tend to get pissed at Nat'ls when ever they try to tell us we need to be shut down as well...

Jason, I agree totally! We as an International do not stand up to anyone! It is a total damn shame!

I do not beleive all of teh crap that came down from teh Alfred U thing!

if these guys worked that hard to get rechartered, they are not going to screw up! We are taking the heat along with the rest of the Orgs for Greeks!

It is bullshit and we all know it!

I hope there are some big Alums that will stand up for them and tell the school, NO MORE MONEY for YOU!!!!!!!!:mad:

Im not so sure that the money thing is as big a threat as some might believe.

However the real issue to me isnt what the college does, as it seems to be ruled by the liberal ellite that seems to have a cancer growing in all northeast "liberal arts colleges".

The real challenge is for our leaders at our fraternity to say, "thanks we appreciate oyur stance, but we will support our organization off campus"

Besides some slack jawed gawker for a greek advisor that most colleges have, and greek week- what do most colleges provide our chapters? Id say a bunch of hassle and outdated oppressive rules.

Lambda Chi needs to step up and support our people here.

I will be sending a lengthy letter to IHQ regarding this if they pull the plug on KSZ.

in zax

JFL

Jas, agree, I think I will also send a letter tho HDQs!

I already sent to Alferd U for what it is worth!

Will see if they have the Balls to respond!

Put on LXA GC thread so read on my Brother!

This shit just really pisses me off!

IN ZAX,

OOPs sorry, on teh General GC thread! Is gettin late!

Well,
 

One thing we often forget, we make the rules for the fraternity. Soemone could present legislation from the floor at GA regarding situations like these. GHZ Luvs to present itself as the only one withthe powers to make decisions. Remember, WE elect them. they are accountable to US.


Something to think about...

It's too late to do it now for 2002 Denver, but If this plays out to screw our brothers in Alfred, I may finally get motivated enought o see how you do submit something for the next GA.

Im really eager to see IF LCA steps up to the plate

Ill hold my scathing opinion until then.

Thanks

Jason Lenox

I felt I had to chime in on this, being a Kappa-Sigma Zeta alum myself, this hits pretty damn close to home. Our chapter was shafted numerous times, from losing our charter in '92, to losing our house in 2000. And now this, talk about bad luck! We re-colonized in '97 and had some really rough times, mostly because of the lack of interest on campus to be in a Greek organization. But we finally made it in 2001 and got our charter back. Tom Helmbock and the guys at HQ have proven themselves extremely valuable to us Alfred guys, so I know they at least care about us. I don't know what they can do about the university trustees though, as the decision has already been made.
Want to know what prompted all this? Back in February, a ZBT brother was found dead in a creek in the village, and they said he had been beaten or something and so the school assumes every fraternity is hazing and beating the crap out of younger members and all this b.s., so let's make a task force to decide what to do with all of them. Three months later, here we are. Punish all Greeks on campus for the actions of a few. That's the Alfred way it seems.
Sorry for going on about this, but I wanted to vent! I'm sure you all understand. I don't see any other guys from Kappa-Sigma here, so I'm going to get the word out. I can't tell you how good it feels to know you guys care and support our chapter, and that if HQ has any cajones, this won't stand! I'll be in touch, and thanks for being such good brothers to us!

Yours in ZAX,
Chris Jacques - Alfred '00

Hey bro thanks for letting us know what happened. Hopefully HQ will step up for you guys.
::grumble:: other fraternnities ::grumble:: school leaders :: grumble::

from a current KSZ brother
 

I am one of the newest brothers at the Kappa Sigma Zeta at Alfred U, and at 23, I am also the oldest current brother. I was brothered just a short few months ago, but already, LXA has made an impact on my life.
The brothers before me worked really hard to earnour charter back, and in the process, they made Lambda Chi the most repected fraternity at Alfred.
The decision to eliminate all of greek life at Alfred is not only unfair to us all, but the timing of it was extremely underhanded. They waited untill a week after all of the students left for the summer to drop this bomb so that no one would be at school to do anything about it.
It has become apparent to us that the trustees did not consider the far reaching aspects of their decision. Eliminating greek life at our school will not only affect the members, but the rest of campus as well. Also local businesses in our small town will lose income from the money that we used to spend in their shops and restaurants.
Currently, all of us greeks are weighing our options and trying to come up with a game plan. Right now, only time will tell what the outcome will be.
Thank you for all your support.

Bill Fabrizio
KS 1394

A thought or two
 

Gentlemen,

I knew when we came together in the Summer of 2000 to defend the Alfred Colony at the GA in Atlanta, that we would survive, and grow to become even greater than we had ever imagined. And the thing is... we succeeded.

It is now over 6 months later; the charter has been in our hands, and the brothers hopes have been high. We have won the highest GPA award for the last 4 semesters and become leaders in every important organization on campus.

But now in the light of our greatest successes, the university has shown it's true self, and failed us as a system. I wish I could say that the death of that ZBT brother was indeed the fault of the system; then I could justify their decision. But it is CLEARLY NOT TRUE.

We have been persecuted for believing in something far greater than those obtuse capitalists could ever fathom. The sad part is; the board is 82% greek. They should know what light LCA holds to the future for men at Alfred University as well as the rest of North America.

But now, because we can't get away will all the bullshit that they could in the past; because we live in a more P.C. world... those hypocrits have punished us for failures we are not responsible for.

This chapter has earned it's right to be among the other chapters of LCA. We have done nothing but bring in good men, and continue on making ourselves better men. But now... I can never again see my new Alfred brothers be initiated into our fraternity. I can never again have that joy in my eyes that I had before.

The politics truly do suck, but we can always make the best of it. With all their power, they still failed to take the one thing that matters most... Our Bond.

I has been my pleasure to serve the Alfred Chapter as President for the 2000 and 2001 terms, and I am not one bit ashamed for what we have accomplished. We have risen from the ashes and forged a new destiny greater than the ambitions of any trustee. Their downfall will be inevitable. With the end of our houses, the students will drink wherever they want to drink, with no one to watch over them. They will be even more irresponsible than before, making the campus a dump instead of a haven.

It saddens me to see all that I have seen, progress within the walls of AU, only to be aware that it will inevitably fall to dust. I warned President Edmondson of these things and he only brushed it off. We shall see Charles. We shall see.

I want to thank all of our brothers for your support. It practically brings tears to my eyes seeing all of you stand up for this chapter in the middle of nowhere.

As an alumn, I will do all that I can to support the active brotherhood in this fight, but I fear that there are only shadows to battle now. They have unduly processed us, and before we could take an offense it's already over. I can only hope that the law will come into play now. It's time to fight back. 92 years of history must mean something.

Now if you don't mind... I would like to recite a poem I wrote a year ago that I read at our Chartering Banquet on October 6th, 2001 during my speech:

Brotherhood

When a single gesture brings back,
a sea of memories...
When everyone comes to an agreement,
on something that makes no sense at all...

...except to us...

When a shared song in unison,
makes you forget your frustrations...
When you feel like you will fall,
only to have someone catch you...

When a singular understanding,
is shared by endless generations...
When you always remember,
the legacy you stand for...
When the best moments of your life,
lie within that bond of understanding...

...proud to be a Lambda Chi...
...proud to be me...


May we increase of the knowledge of Lambda, it's teachings, applications and possiblities.


In ZAX,

Joshua Arzt
High Alpha (2000, 2001)
AAB Advisor to the High Beta and Theta
Kappa Sigma Zeta

Follow up from thread starter
 

Brothers from Alfred,

All I can tell you is please do what you can to delay any or all actions that will have LCA take away support from you. I'm a strong believer that if this kind of thing is let out to fester in the open (an open forum- ie our fraternity GA or whatever format it takes) that the majority of our brothers would support this group to be there.

I have made several small contacts to monitor the situaion as best as I can, however as a rural Pennsylvania kid, IM a bit limited in the information or aid I can render to you.

PLEASE- If I can tell you anything, Go to GA in force Alfred Brothers and Tell everyone your plight- type it up so the word gets out. And bitch like hell this fall keep us posted and dont give up just yet

in zax,

Jason Lenox
Phi Tau Zeta #274

Bill and all Brothers From Alfred U, I was told in some terns that it is International who will make the Decisions! Well this goes along with what I said about expansion!

This is a prime thing for 2 ohter Brothers, Lenoxx and lifesaver!

Ah Life, I read somewhere that St. Marys S A had a Chapter or colony! I dont think that is right!

It sounds that International is not going to back up with Balls of the Brothers of Alfred!

I leave my e-m address to you:

hoyotomas@aol.com!

If you would like to talk, send PM with Phone # and wiull work ot a time to give you a call!

Jason,

I can only hope we are allowed to go to GA. However, we may not know. The current High Alpha is Jason Pilarz and can be reached at pilarzjd@alfred.edu. I recommend talking to him as well. He has a lot of great insight as a president and is very valuable in this current situation.

We are by no means a rich chapter, so large representation at GA is not exactly a simple task, but we will see what we can do.

In ZAX,
Josh Arzt
KS #1368

Heres my suggestion...
 

As I said before, take it to GA.

Think about this. Lambda Chi Alpha's policy is to only have chapters where we are welcomed by the university.

Thats their policies...not ours. While I generally agree with it, I dont think it should be a blanket policy, one not subject to interpertation...

Remember, WE set the policy for LXA. Undergrads hold 75% of the vote at GA. Having been a former delegate I can tell you for a fact that the undergraduates would back you. I've seen it done. in 1996 the GF tried to shut down a chapter in calif. They did it because a chapter presdident had the courage to tell the consultant that he had 4 brothers in his chapter who had a drug problem, and what could he do to help them. The son-of-a-bitch consultant reccomened that his chapter be closed. The GHZ agreed at its spring meeting. He, using his own $$ flew to Dallas and made a passionate plea to the undergrad body and WE not the fucking GHZ reinstated his chapter. They are still open today.

My suggestion to the Kappa Sigma Zeta boys..take this shit to the net. I can only help you boys so much..Ideas, suggestions and support, but ya'll gotta do the groundwork...

I suggest ya'll get as many brothers to go to GA as possible. While there, network your ass off to all the delegates, they are easily identifible by the special ribbons they wear on their nametags. Sell your cause to them. Also, in the meantime, EMAIL. Use the net to send emails to all the chaptes and presidents. I am sure if you start with a good nuclues, you could get this message to the entire fraternity in 2 months.

ALSO, and this is very important. if you get someone to sponsor legislation from the floor of GA to keep you open regardless for the next 2 years, and it passes, THEY have to keep you open. it has been discussed on this board before, but the info given was incorrect. I did soem checking, and since we follow roberts rules of order, they have to allow legislation from the floor. The March deadline for submissions to IHQ of legislation to be considered at GA is only for legislation to be sent to comittie and debated. it states in our consitiution that we follow Roberts, and Roberst says you can do it. If ya wanna keep your chapter open, this is how to do it. Also, you have to stipulate to keep it open for 2 years, to be reviewed at the next GA. if you dont, 1) people wont go for it, because they will want checks, and 2) the GHZ will go back and vote to close you in September. If you word the legis so that you have to stay open for 2 years, the GHZ would be in violation of the constitution if they closed you.

Ya;ll busted your ass to get your charter. Are you willing to bust it a little more and go down in LXA history???

Lifesaver
 

Lifesaver-

You are right on the money- I was the delegate for my chapter at 1996 GA and what a crock that was with CSFullerton. I remember the cocks from Syracuse wanted to close them so bad for the pot thing. Two years later they got nailed and closed for the same infraction.

Alfred guys- get it in gear and communicate- and get someone to sell it at GA. I've begun to put the word on the street- if you guys are willing to go to the mat, I'll get in touch with the "higher ups" that are going to be there. Two of my friends are running for GHZ positions, if you are willing to take this seriously and go to go all the way, Ill call them to put the word out.

Like Lifesaver said- are you willing to go this far?

Lenoxxx

Regretable I can't go anymore due to work as well as other things but I'll let my deligate know about this and back my brothers.

Fuck yeah. This is what brotherhood is about. Standing up for what you believe in. My boys back you....Loud and Proud.

Remember, ZAX.

As several of you know as I copied you, I sent a e-m to Hdqs about this situation. I also told of possible Schools to look at for expansion and would like to know what the plans were as we seemed to be kept in the dark!

I was told in so many words that I was antogonistic and it was not my decision as Internatioal was doing it their way! Did not appreciate the way I sent cc. to @ 6 Brothers who I was told were a few of my selected freinds! Friends Hell, My Brothers!!!!!

We to were told at the Phenox GA that we were there only to have our Charter pulled by Bob London! He said there should be no Chapters on small campuses. He is gone and now director of Alph Phi Omega Service Fraternity! Enough people compalined about him and wala! To bad he is with APO of which I am an Alum.

I called Fred Suggs, then Grand High Alpha and pleaded our case. Our H A pleaded our case and it went before the General Fraternity and we saved the Charter but on Double, Triple Secret Probation.!

Well we now have our Charter Still and an Alum Group is working very hard to get us built back up! We are small are doing a lot of good things!

I know Alfred is an Old Chapter and should be considered very stronly for staying if they have done nothing to warrent this!

While being Polo. Correct, why screw the Brothers for something they had NO HAND IN!

I hope they follow the advice that some of the Fine Brothers on this site have given!

I will ask that Our delegate vote to keep the Chapter if it is up to the Delegates.
I suggest as was mentioned that each of us do the same and I will talk to Brothers that I have met on ohter sites!

Good luck and Please Brothers Help us out and we will help you out the best we can!:)

A few years ago we had our fraternity house (and all the other houses) taken away by the university. I dont know what I would do if they had taken our fraternity too.

I'll be at GA as a deligate and am behind the Alfred brothers all the way!

ZAX

Received from Shaw Allen, Alfred U:


Hello!
I've heard nothing yet. I don't know if our prez has really talked with
them yet. Brad Peabody informed me though, that national is still trying to
decide how to deal with the situation. Kappa Sigma Fraternity is apparently
invoking the assistance of the National Fraternity Council, and I hope that
LCA and the rest of the nationals on campus do the same. Brad agreed that
this should be tackled without going to legal means, but if it comes down to
it, I will be cautious, but not afraid to file a complaint. I've found the
proper way to file complaints through the school. First you file w/ the
school and if the matter is not resolved to our satisfaction (unlikely it
will) then we can file our complaint with the NYS Dept of Education. If
they are unable to resolve it, I believe we can take it to the state courts.
I really hope it wouldn't go that far. But, at the same time if we were to
succeed by those means it could do great things for preserving students
rights. I'm convinced that that is what it is really about. I've heard
nothing back from the ACLU, so I'm planning on calling them this week.
We'll see what happens. Well, thanks for your support and we should chat
again sometime!

Oh, Jason Lenox and I had a good talk on the phone this past week. He's a
great guy. He had some very sound advice and I'm glad he's a lambda chi.
We need more guys like him.

Talk to you later...

ZAX,
Shawn


We All hope for the best for the Brothers from KS Z, Alfred U.

Alfred U Delegate
 

Chops, I am the delegate for Alfred U. We are still recognized by the university for the next year. HQ is NOT revoking our charter. However, the school is not allowing us to recruit. After one year, we (the greeks in general) will be re-evaluated and may be allowed to exist a 2nd year w/out recruitment. The idea is that we will die out slowly that way, and we can't pin them w/ violating our Freedom to Associate. Great plan, eh? Gotta love Alfred. Really I do love Alfred and that just makes it so much more difficult to digest. Our parents are generally furious w/ the school. IHQ has yet to make an official statement, but they are no less angry with Alfred.

Unfortunately we will not be en masse at GA. Two of us will be there though. We're not a financailly rich chapter and we have a fledgling alumni association. The $600 cost of GA plus travel has only ground that reality into us that much further.

There's nothing I can do to extend our life through GA. We have at least a year to work with. Now the issue is recruitment. Something harder to sell, but it's our only way to survive. I don't want to recruit underground. I don't want to recruit brothers but tell them they can't wear letters cuz we'll get in trouble. That's supression of freedom of speech isn't it? One of my professors, a strong supporter of the Greeks is encouraging demonstrations to the level of civil disobediance. We are strongly considering it. I've never been one for chaining myself to buildings, but hey, it could be fun, right? :) It's all about how far we're willing to go to save what we've worked so hard for.

I have heard nothing back from the ACLU, I don't think they are interested in our case. I'm going to try again with them though. If we don't recruit this year... we die. Simple as that. If you guys have any suggestions, please send them my way or post them here.

I'm not giving in or giving up, I've put more than 3 years into this chapter, and I'm ready to give many many more.

allansm@alfred.edu is my personal email.

I'd be especially interested in hearing from any other delegates. :)

I was originally going to this GA to promote a piece of legislation I wrote, updating our fraternity's anti-discrimination policy as a non-delegate. That legislation has been received by IHQ and I've had numerous votes of positive support from the LCA corporations, alums, and undergrads. However, since I put it in the mail I've barely thought once about it. I sent my resolution on to Alfred University as an example of the good works of our chapter that they have decided to put to an end.

My one thought on GA's part, is that I would love to see a letter, perhaps drafted by LCA, but signed by each (inter)national fraternity at Alfred. Kappa Sigma, Sigma Alpha Mu, Delta Sigma Phi, Alpha Chi Rho, and Delta Zeta.

I guess we'll see....

Hey guys-sorry for crashing your forum, but Shawn's post broke my heart. Have you corresponded at all with any of the GC'ers from Santa Clara? I hear they went underground (or off campus) with their recruitment, and are going stronger than ever. I bet they would be more than willing to give you some ideas & words of encouragement. Their hope is to keep things going strong off campus so that WHEN the school comes back to its senses, they will be ready to come back on like gangbusters. Provided that the Alfred organizations can turn things around & improve the perceptions while operating off-campus, that may be your best bet.

The school CANNOT keep a student from joining an independent organization or from wearing Greek letters on their campus any more than they can keep someone from becoming an Eagle Scout and wearing their merit badges. All they can do is forbid your organization from using school property or officially participating in school events, etc. The main concern I see is where you all would meet (don't know anything about the housing situation at Alfred).

Anyway, I just wanted to say this little Lambda Chi wifey is pulling for you and all the Greeks at Alfred. And enjoy your GA-I understand its an amazing experience.

Thanks DZ!
 

Thanks for the encouragement! Who is GC at Santa Clara? I'm pretty close to Santa Clara this summer... Livermore to be exact. Delta Zeta at Alfred is also an exceptional chapter. We do numerous functions with them and are often partners in crime haha. I haven't heard what DZ's headquarters have said about the whole thing yet. They are a strong chapter... the largest greek organization in Alfred for the past few years... so I hope DZ sticks up for them too!

Thanks for the kind words about DZ's Alfred Chapter. I don't know what will happen with the DZ chapter at Alfred...HQ has made no decision, and I have no idea what they will do. I know the lack of a house/meeting space will probably figure heavily into what they decide, as well as the amount of alumnae support...but nothing will be done in haste...especially if the chapter is indeed strong.

Greek SCU is an active Greek at Santa Clara, and has posted some interesting updates in the past. Go to this thread & you can get his ID and PM him...he is very well spoken about what has been going on since their Greek System was "dissolved." http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...ht=santa+clara
(If that link doesn't work, do a search for "Santa Clara" and you will find his name on many of those threads.)

Sorry to invade your board...
 

I just wanted to say that it is very sad to see an entire school dissolve it's whole greek system. It's terrible because organizations like Lambda Chi, as well as the other fraternities and sororities offer college students the chance of a lifetime to make lifelong friends, serve the community, and become leaders.

I really hope something can be done about this so that Lambda Chi & the other GLOs can stay on that campus and allow future students the same chance students in the past had to have a true brotherhood and sisterhood.

I realize this is very late for an update, but here's proof that going underground can lead to success. At Santa Clara, we lost our campus recognition in the Spring of 00. Since then, my chapter has gone from 22 members to a projected 84 members following our formal Winter Rush at the end of January. We were also awarded Sigma Pi International's Grand Sage's trophy, awarded to the #1 Sigma Pi chapter internationally...all this without a formally recognized Greek System.

It dosen't come easy however. We can't advertise on campus, we finance everything ourselves, and we have to fight an administration that tells incoming freshman that we don't exist.

With some hard work and dedication however, you can overcome these difficulties. Since we all have freedom of speech and freedom of association, there is nothing wrong with us wearing t-shirts and letters that advertise or events, or spreading news about the Greek system in the school newspaper or via word-of-mouth. Our parties (many of them draw over 600 people each) still provide the best social options for SCU students, wether the administration chooses to admit it or not. It is also difficult for them to ignore nearly $200,000 that have been raised for charity by only three GLO's (DG, Alpha Phi, and Sig Pi) over the past three off-campus years.

Finally, we are finally beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. A new sorority is forming an interest group this winter (looks like KKG or Tri-Delt, although DZ, AXO, and ZTA have dormant chapters at SCU), and get this...the university has put it on their '03-'04 agenda to revisit the greek system decision. This is what we have been working for!

Moral of the story: Fight the powers that be! If you are dedicated and hard working, you can succeed on your own with or without the university's blessing.

KSZ
 

I see no reason why Indy should not back Alfred. I'm all for them operating on their own. I've met a few of the brothers from Alfred at a Conclave and they're good guys--it would be a shame to take back a charter just because the school disbands greek life on a campus.

In ZAX,
Matt Jackson
BX 546

Has there been any update on the KZ Chapter at Alfred yet?

I too hope International will back the Chapter.

However, the school is not allowing us to recruit. After one year, we (the greeks in general) will be re-evaluated and may be allowed to exist a 2nd year w/out recruitment. The idea is that we will die out slowly that way, and we can't pin them w/ violating our Freedom to Associate.

Isn't this contradictory? Not allowing recruitment WON'T pin Alfred with Freedom to Associate violations? Sounds like a certain law in Virginia that MANDATED a VOLUNTARY program in schools a few years back...it doesn't make sense.

End of the line
 

Hey just as a final note to this thread...

According to the new Cross and Crescent- the Alfred Chapter is not there any more.

kind of a quiet way to go out

Peace

Lenoxxx