Sigma Sigma Sigma hazing at Murray St.

[hoosier]

University investigates Tri Sigma
By Stephanie Zeller
Published: Friday, November 11, 2005

The National Headquarters of Sigma Sigma Sigma and the University recently completed an investigation that revealed Murray State Alpha Chi chapter was involved in hazing activities on Oct. 21.
Mike Young, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, said his office received information about a potential policy violation that transpired. Young interviewed the involved Tri Sigma members to determine if a University policy violation occurred, to what extent, and whether it was an individual or chapter issue.
"The outcome, I can tell you, is that there does seem to be evidence to support that hazing activities did take place," Young said.
Nancy Parrish, Murray State's Tri Sigma President said via e-mail the chapter did not schedule or approve this event and no members were harmed.
"Members involved in the event had no malicious intentions in their actions and even took precautions to ensure the safety of the women involved," Parrish said. "Sigma Sigma Sigma does not encourage or tolerate Tri Sigma policy violations or University Code of Conduct violations of any kind."
According to the University's policy on hazing, it is defined as "any on-campus or off-campus activity which results in mental or physical harassment, humiliation, degradation, ridicule, shock, endangerment, physical disfiguration, excessive fatigue, danger to health or the involuntary consumption of alcohol or drugs."
Young said the hazing activities were similar to a scavenger hunt and involved members being blindfolded and photographed, but fully clothed.
Greek organizations are aware of the University's policy, he said, and all members are required to sign an agreement indicating they will not participate in hazing activities.
Lorin Phillips, director of Chapter Services at Sigma Sigma Sigma National Headquarters, met with the chapter Oct. 27-29 and with the University to ensure the accuracy of received information.
"The ultimate outcome was that the chapter's internal process would be implemented for the individuals directly involved in order to hold them accountable," Phillips said via e-mail. "Then chapter-wide proactive educational sanctions would be put in place through Tri Sigma's Chapter Supervision program."
She also said the chapter is taking action to educate its members and prevent future problems.
The last time the University dealt with a sorority hazing issue, Young said, was in 1998 with Delta Sigma Theta.