Fisk KAPsi gets cracked; campus pres cracks all chapters

[hoosier]

A violent case of hazing has led to a crackdown on fraternities and sororities at Fisk University.

A student was allegedly beaten during a recent initiation with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

“We have a tribunal that they will go under. If the allegation is proven then they will face a suspension on campus,” Fisk University spokeswoman Brianna Latham said.

The allegation involved a hazing incident that happened off campus. Officials said a pledge was beaten on buttocks with a paddle so severely that he was unable to walk immediately after the incident.

The student will be okay, but the university is cracking down, officials said.

“Our main thing to make sure no one is in jeopardy,” Latham said.

There are no fraternity or sorority houses on campus.

The university’s new president, Hazel O'Leary, wants to send a strong message that hazing will not be permitted. That’s why she placed a one-year moratorium for all Greek activities on campus, Latham said.

That means no more recruiting, parties or gatherings of any kind for any of the eight Greek chapters.

A member of one of the other fraternities, Eli Ivey, said most members discourage hazing, but sometimes it's difficult to control.

“Each fraternity has guidelines, but there are bad apples that make it look bad for everybody,” Ivey said.

University officials said if there are further reports of hazing of any kind the university may move to eliminate the Greek system all together.