According to today's (Nov. 12) student paper, Pi Beta Phi at the U of Washington will probably get "sanctions" due to alleged hazing. And yes, according to the article, pictures were posted on a fraternity's web site, which wasn't the brightest move in the world, IMHO.
As far as the larger picture goes, of course, by effectively taking the U of Washington chapter out of competition for the next Balfour Cup, Stoolman Vase, or Philadelphia Bowl -- let's be realistic -- the chances are slightly improved for all the other chapters around the country.
http://thedaily.washington.edu/news....=10790&-search
Sorority likely to face hazing punishment
By Lydia Wright
November 12, 2004
Sanctions against the Pi Beta Phi sorority will likely be recommended to UW officials today in response to allegations that the sorority hazed new recruits in September.
According to a two-page letter sent last month to Pi Beta Phi president Meagen Beattie from Sarah Hansen, assistant to the vice president, the allegations violated the sorority's recognition agreement with the UW and could result in disciplinary action.
"We're hoping to move forward by [today]," said Hansen, who at the sorority's request will recommend any sanctions to the vice president for student affairs, the Pi Beta Phi national headquarters and the UW Panhellenic Association.
The letter claims that photographs of the sorority's members and pledges engaging in compromising activities were posted on the Beta Theta Pi fraternity's Web site. The sorority allegedly forced women to wear revealing outfits like cut tank tops and short shorts and participate in a food fight with fraternity men while spectators consumed alcoholic beverages.
Pi Beta Phi also allegedly "exposed women to rough and potentially dangerous physical activity."
The photographs are no longer on the fraternity's Web site, and Beattie declined to comment on the allegations or any internal disciplinary action taken by the sorority.
The activities violate the dry event policy for UW sororities, as well as state laws regarding underage alcohol consumption and registering a party. Under the terms of the recognition agreement, Pi Beta Phi is responsible for taking disciplinary action against anyone who violated the terms of the agreement.
According to the recognition agreement, sanctions could range from a warning to a monetary fine or probation. Hansen said the UW has not issued sanctions to the Phi Beta Phi sorority before. . . .