Utah State Suspends Chi Omega and Sigma Nu Chapters "Indefinitely"
Edited to add :
The university's statements so far are posted at:
http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=31963
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/11...d756083361.txt
Excerpts from Asociated Press report:
By the Associated Press
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 1:20 PM MST
LOGAN, Utah -- Utah State University President Stan Albrecht has indefinitely suspended Sigma Nu Fraternity and Chi Omega Sorority following the death of student Michael Starks on Friday.
Utah State spokesman John DeVilbiss said the suspensions effectively mean the organizations no longer exist at the school.
Logan police are investigating hazing charges in Starks' death. Police say they believe Starks had been involved in a fraternity initiation exercise.
Police reports indicate that Starks, who was 18, had been drinking Thursday night before falling asleep at the Sigma Nu fraternity home. He was later found not breathing.
. . .DeVilbiss said USU plans its own investigation to determine if Starks' death is related to a fraternity initiation that amounts to hazing. If that proves true, both Sigma Nu and Chi Omega could face the "real possibility that they will be shut down forever."
USU's student code forbids hazing and violators face disciplinary actions that range from probation to expulsion.
Comment: yes, "initiation" is probably not the precise term that ought to have been used.