COLUMBUS -- A fraternity and a sorority at The Ohio State University have had their status as recognized student organizations temporarily suspended while the university investigates separate allegations of hazing in both organizations.

The president of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity (TKE) received a letter on March 28 and the president of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority received a letter on March 29 from Interim Vice President for Student Affairs William H. Hall notifying them of the decisions, which became effective immediately.

During the period of temporary suspension, the chapters are not eligible to participate in any recognized student organization activities, including intramural sports, chapter social events or social events with other student organizations.

Hall’s letter to the chapter presidents said, “All hazing and other risk management violations, as well as other inappropriate actions, must cease immediately. While our policies on these issues are clear, let this letter serve as a statement that The Ohio State University will take swift and immediate action on violations of the Code of Student Conduct.”

Hall also has sent a letter to all fraternity and sorority presidents at Ohio State expressing his disappointment that reports of dangerous and inappropriate behavior by members of the Greek community continue to surface. There have been numerous allegations that pledges (prospective members of fraternities and sororities) have been encouraged to take part in activities that were degrading and/or potentially harmful to their physical or mental health. Investigations of these reports have substantiated instances of sleep deprivation, alcohol violations, disruption of a university class, and coercion to participate in humiliating activities.

Recently the University Judicial Panel ruled that Delta Chi fraternity had committed hazing violations and put the group on probation for one year. In December, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was sanctioned for hazing. Several other fraternities have been sanctioned in the past year for violations of the rules governing student conduct.

“There is a disturbing trend of irresponsible, immature and frankly dangerous behavior within the Greek community,” Hall said. “I had hoped that the message would have been received by now that hazing is absolutely not tolerated. It is incompatible with the standards, missions and values of Ohio State University and of each of the national fraternities and sororities that our chapters are affiliated with. Furthermore, there is no such thing as an acceptable level of hazing. When you unlock that door, you create an atmosphere that can all too easily lead from relatively silly pranks to tragedy.”

Hazing is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, which defines it as “Doing, requiring or encouraging any act, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon, in conjunction with initiation or continued membership or participation in any group, that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm or humiliation. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, use of alcohol, creation of excessive fatigue, and paddling, punching or kicking in any form.”

For the past few months, Student Affairs staff members have been working diligently with the Greek community to implement the standards of excellence in the Greek Life Task Force Report. This report, which reflects two years of collaborative effort, became effective March 19. It sets out a vision for the Greek community that aligns its mission with the university’s and reestablishes fraternal values. It contains a template for each chapter to set and attain goals related to academic achievement, personal and community development, community service, financial stability, and risk management.

Hall said the university prefers to work with the Greek community in a positive, rather than a punitive, manner but will not back down on enforcing the Code of Student Conduct and the standards set forth in the Greek Life Task Force.

“While I understand that there are many fantastic things occurring in the Greek community, the negative incidents continue to bring us down,” he said. “This must stop.”

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(LO)