Duquesne University sorority status revoked

[Jill1228]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05114/493560.stm
Sunday, April 24, 2005

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



This month, a judicial affairs board stripped a Duquesne University sorority of its right to function on campus because of a hazing incident on Feb. 22.

This was the first time in at least a decade that the university has revoked a sorority or fraternity's official status for a conduct violation, said Duquesne spokeswoman Bridget Fare.

Sorority members appealed to a higher body, but the board's decision was upheld.

Sigma Lambda Phi is also the sorority that sophomore Meredith Kenneff belonged to before she died March 12 of alcohol poisoning following an off-campus party.

School officials said the board's ruling was not connected to Kenneff's death.

"The timing is a coincidence. It's truly unrelated," Fare said.

Campus officials and sorority members who were contacted declined to specify the details of the Feb. 22 incident.

Sigma Lambda Phi sisters, known as the Lambs, have been on the Duquesne campus since 1933.

Former members may still display their Greek letters on T-shirts and caps, but they cannot participate as a group in Carnival, Greek Week or homecoming events. They also will not be allowed a dedicated housing wing.

And, in spite of a 2002 Greek award for their "outstanding recruitment" program, they can no longer recruit members.

[mmcat]

how sad...
one has to wonder what happened.

[DCDisney]

I'm an adviser for another sorority on that campus. All I heard from the Greek Life office was that it was a serious hazing incident that occurred, that involved a serious breach of student conduct code. I really didn't have any desire to know more.

The week following their action against the local sorority, the univ. Greek Life also suspended a local fraternity. I heard the reason for that one, was keg parties held in the largest residence hall on campus, also involving hazing.

Needless to say, the U's Greek Life office has had its hands full this spring semester.

[Tom Earp]

How big does the word STUPID have to be?

So, with the death of another person, when will this shit stop.

Get some resposibilites. The age for driving is being or trying to be pushed to 18 as Kids will be Kids.

[archangel689]

....

[bordeaux hearts]

I knew Mere and she was one of the greatest girls ever. The Lambs were know for Hazing for a long time. They out right asked you if you had a Fake ID during rush and said they would get you one when you pledged. These were a bunch of girls who were still stuck with the old ideas of Sororities, and while that worked for some girls, the other sororities did not lack in recruitment. Most of us were not surprised that this happened and wished that maybe it could have happened earlier.

[James]

You mean they asked if you could come party with them? And if you didn't have an ID to get you in a club they would find you one?

Thats pretty cool.

Originally posted by bordeaux hearts
They out right asked you if you had a Fake ID during rush and said they would get you one when you pledged. .

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by James
Thats pretty cool.

Against the law, too. What fun.

Sounds like this group has been living on borrowed time for quite a while.

[LXAAlum]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
How big does the word STUPID have to be?

So, with the death of another person, when will this shit stop.

Tom, I've said it before, and I'll say it again....

This will ONLY really be stopped when something tragic enough happens that does not just shut down the local chapter, but, takes down an entire national GLO as a consequence.

Only then, will there be enough outcry to finally bring a stop to this madness.

[perdido88]

well, its a shame. Sigma Lambda Phi was a local Duquesne sorority and a very popular one. I knew a lot of the Lambs, when I attended Duquesne. Never realized that this would happen to them.

Yup, the Lambs were hot looking girls.

A popular saying around Duquesne students for them was "Slambda Lambdas".

I guess Duquesne and the police finally "slambda lambdas" for good.

With all due respect, my feelings go towards the deceased girl's family.

Let's hope that young people take seriously the prohibition of hazing. I am astounded that its still happening in this time and age... with the internet, television, printed press, movies and the awareness of hazing.


later,

perdido88

[geistert]

I knew tons of Lambs...I'm a former Kap at Duquesne...and the only thing they're getting in trouble for are written letters that remark about hazing-even though they were written as a gag- as I read in the Duquesne Digital Duke (online newspaper)...the university has no definitive proof...it's total bs. the sorority had nothing to do w/ the girl's death (certainly a tragedy regardless of where you place blame)...but once again...the administration (crooked Father Hogan) is trying to oust the local greek organizations...i'm sure the Gammas are next on the hit list. The Lambs did tons of service/fundraising to local causes in Pittsburgh while I was there. They do not deserve the ridiculous punishment they received from the university.

[perdido88]

wwowww. geistert, I can't believe that Father Hogan is still waging war on the fraternities and sororities... its like a never-ending persecution.

Your post makes sense. It could be something taken out of proportion to get rid of the Lambs. and you're right, they did a lot of service to the community. It sucks that they had to pay the price simply because the administration decided to get rid of them.

tough luck for the Lambs.

this is part of the reason why I never contributed any alumni money to Duquesne. Some of the bs they pulled was harsh.

later,

perdido88

[DCDisney]

The actions taken against the Lambs were started long before the tragic death of one of their members. In fact the Lambs were already on a temporary suspension status when Meredith died.

I don't see or have not heard any evidence that the administration or Greek Life have tied the 2 issues together. The temporary suspension action was taken after having received evidence of serious hazing.

Why do people think that universities or Greek Life offices are on a witch hunt ? Isn't it possible that the actions were warranted ? Other posts have already mentioned that the group was well known for hazing. So why is it surprising and classified as a witch hunt by the administration ?

[Tom Earp]

Originally posted by DCDisney
The actions taken against the Lambs were started long before the tragic death of one of their members. In fact the Lambs were already on a temporary suspension status when Meredith died.

I don't see or have not heard any evidence that the administration or Greek Life have tied the 2 issues together. The temporary suspension action was taken after having received evidence of serious hazing.

Why do people think that universities or Greek Life offices are on a witch hunt ? Isn't it possible that the actions were warranted ? Other posts have already mentioned that the group was well known for hazing. So why is it surprising and classified as a witch hunt by the administration ?

Very Well stated!

Dont do the crime or will do the time.

Why do People think that The ADM. is always at Fault? If a Chapter is working within guidelines, then eveything will be fine.

Cross The Line! Well, what does one expect. No matter how long a Chapter is there if there is a Screw up in this day and age, then pay the price. Who does it hurt, not the school!

[perdido88]

yeah, well. that is true.

however, it is also true that the administration was also known for taking personal issues with certain groups. I witnessed certain fraternities and sororities harangued for their behavior even when they didn't do anything... and other fraternities and sororities who indulged in the same attitudes were left completely alone.

I am not justifying or condoning hazing. Don't get me wrong. However, as humans that we all are, there are always tendencies to favor certain people over others. It is tough to be fair to everyone, but that's the way it should be.


Many thanks for your replies and concerns.

later,

perdido88