Suspended for hazing

[hoosier]

January 22, 2004

Greek Life
Group suspended in hazing case
Phi Beta Sigma has lost its campus privileges due to allegations made in the fall.

By Candace Sweat
Contributor to The Shorthorn

Phi Beta Sigma fraternity was suspended for two years starting last October over a hazing allegation lodged by a student. It was the third Greek organization to be suspended for hazing in the past three years.

Officials declined to characterize the incident or discuss details, but Elizabeth Massengale said an investigation determined that the fraternity violated Texas Education Code policies on hazing.

Massengale, who oversees Greek life as assistant Student Activities director, said the university followed the lead of the fraternity’s national office which determined the allegations warranted suspension.

The university maintains that federal student privacy law prohibits release of the members’ names.

She did not say if any members were individually disciplined. Dean of Students Austin Lane did not return phone calls.

Attempts to reach members of the fraternity were unsuccessful. Representatives of Phi Beta Sigma’s regional and national offices also did not respond to interview requests.

The chapter will not be recognized by the university as a campus organization or be allowed to participate in or organize campus events.

Phi Beta Sigma is the second fraternity under the National Panhellenic Council, made up of Greek organizations, to be suspended from campus in the last three years.

“NPHC should have been more responsible of overseeing the intake process on campus,” said Thomas Mayfield, Alpha Phi Alpha and NPHC member.

The university implemented a zero-tolerance policy in response to stricter state laws on hazing.

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority’s chapter here was suspended in 2002 for four years.

The campus chapter of Phi Delta Theta was suspended in the summer for two years for hazing a pledge last spring.

Rachel Proctor, the Panhellenic Council’s immediate past president, declined to comment.

Phi Beta Sigma’s suspension was the second in 2002.