COLUMBUS -- The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter at The Ohio State University has been suspended for at least two years by both the university and the national Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for hazing and other violations.

An investigation by the fraternity’s alumni officers and university officials revealed that the chapter had participated in unsanctioned “intake” sessions with prospective new members during fall quarter 2000. During these sessions, which violated the fraternity’s regulations on new member recruitment, prospective members were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, a violation of Ohio State’s Code of Student Conduct.

Two prospective members were injured seriously enough to require medical care. The university and the fraternity advisers have reported the incidents to Columbus Police.

“These are very serious violations and require an immediate and strong response,” said William H. Hall, interim vice president for student affairs at Ohio State. “There is no place for hazing in the Greek community or elsewhere at this university.”

The university and the fraternity have jointly suspended Alpha Phi Alpha through Jan. 11, 2003. The chapter will be on probation for an additional year, from Jan. 12, 2003, to Jan. 12, 2004. While suspended, the chapter will not be a recognized student organization at Ohio State and, therefore, may not use university facilities, advisers or funds. It also may not participate in Pan-Hellenic Council activities, including recruitment of new members, or in intramural sports or other university activities. The chapter, which currently has seven active members, does not have a chapter facility.

Individual students who are alleged to have violated the Code of Student Conduct will be required to go through Ohio State’s student judicial system. If found to be in violation, they could face university sanctions ranging from warnings or probation to permanent dismissal from the university.

Alpha Phi Alpha is the sixth Ohio State fraternity chapter to be sanctioned within the last year. The most recent suspension, of Sigma Alpha Epsilon last week, was for numerous violations of university and fraternity policies.

Hall noted the strong partnership with the national Alpha Phi Alpha organization in handling this situation. “This has been a joint effort,” he said. “The national Alpha Phi Alpha organization and its local alumni leaders are as disappointed about these incidents as we are. They are adamant that the chapter be strongly disciplined for the violations. I am grateful for their support and assistance, and I hope that in two years we can work with them to bring Alpha Phi Alpha back to Ohio State.”

The fraternity “will not tolerate or condone violations of the membership intake process or its Standing Orders, which outline the behavioral standards of the national organization,” said Samuel DeShazior, Midwestern regional vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha. “In partnership with The Ohio State University, we seek to provide safe and enriching fraternity experiences for students who seek membership within the organization and Greek life in general.”

The national fraternity, in addition to concurring with Ohio State’s discipline, may impose further sanctions on the chapter and individual members.

Kappa chapter, the tenth Alpha Phi Alpha chapter to be organized, has been at Ohio State since 1911, and has a rich history of community service and distinguished alumni. The fraternity’s national headquarters are in Baltimore.

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(LO)