Three Ohio State Greek chapters face charges

[Jill1228]

NOT GOOD!

The Lantern
Ohio State University
April 21, 2005

Three OSU greek chapters face charges

By David J. Cross

Ohio State has placed three greek chapters on interim suspension for hazing, according to a university press release issued Tuesday.

Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Hall placed two sororities - Delta Gamma, 131 E. 15th Ave., and Kappa Phi Lambda, 1160 Kinnear Road Apt. 2316 - and one fraternity - Beta Theta Pi fraternity, 165 E. 15th Ave.,- on interim suspension pending investigation by Student Judicial Affairs and Greek Life, according to the release.

Kurt Foriska, coordinator for Greek Life, said the allegations against the greek organizations are not related.

According to the press release, the suspension will remain in effect until all the investigations are completed. Afterwards Hall will decide if there is sufficient evidence to warrant judicial action.

"As the investigations are ongoing, (Student Affairs) will not discuss any of the specifics of the allegations at this time," Ruth Gerstner, spokeswoman for Student Affairs, wrote in an e-mail message. "Should there be sufficient cause to bring charges, then those charges will be public record."

"We are just trying to work with (the university) in trying to found out what's at the bottom of all of this," said Caroline Von Sick, president of Delta Gamma and a junior in psychology.

Von Sick said she was informed of the suspension Monday, but that she does not know the details surrounding the allegations.

"I'm sort of at the point were I'm not being fully informed of what the next step is," she said.

Attempts to contact the presidents of Beta Theta Pi and Kappa Phi Lambda by phone and e-mail where unsuccessful.

According to a document obtained from Greek Life's Web site, hazing is defined as "any action taken or situation created, intentionally, when on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule."

Examples the document gives include paddling, verbal abuse and scavenger hunts for meaningless objects.

According to Gerstner's e-mail, an interim suspension means the greek organizations will not be able to "participate in any recognized student organization activities, including intramurals, chapter socials events or social events with other student organizations."

The interim suspensions are designed to protect both the organization and students involved, and also to foster cooperation with university authorities, she said

Further information will be available in the next several days, but Gerstner said she did not know an exact date.