3-year suspension for Alpha Phi Alpha
The University of Central Arkansas' Theta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity is suspended from having an active UCA chapter for three years, the university's Greek Judicial Board ruled Wednesday.
The three-year suspension was ordered by the fraternity's national organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., which determined that the Theta Psi chapter had violated "standing orders" of the fraternity in its independent investigation into allegations of hazing, according to a UCA news release.
The national organization also ordered that chapter members be suspended from the fraternity and chapter advisers removed from their roles, and that the chapter undergo a hazing workshop and host a program on hazing once per semester.
The Greek Judicial Board accepted these sanctions and added that upon the chapter's reestablishment it be placed on a one-year probationary period during which the chapter "must attend all training programs sponsored by the Office of Greek Life or face returning to the Greek Judicial Board" and that "all students and advisers found to be responsible in the hazing allegations will not be permitted to serve in an advisory capacity at UCA."
The chapter appealed the two sanctions composed by the Greek Judicial Board to UCA's University Discipline Committee, which upheld the board's decision.
The allegations of hazing came on March 31 after a student called the University of Central Arkansas Police Department. Alleged victims told UCAPD investigators that Alpha Phi Alpha pledges were being made to stand in a line during meetings and asked questions about the fraternity's history.
"If they got it wrong, they would be struck with a paddle on their buttocks and/or struck with a open hand on their chest and back," a UCAPD report of the incident reads.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. "strictly prohibits hazing in any form whether physical or mental as a term or condition of membership in the organization," according to an anti-hazing statement found on its Web site. This statement goes on to say that anyone performing hazing "will be considered a criminal by the Fraternity" and "face severe disciplinary action by the Fraternity."
The allegations came less than three weeks before the chapter's largest event, the End of the World GreekShow, which was cancelled as per university policy concerning organizations under investigation.
The Greek Judicial Board may still choose to effect disciplinary action for individuals found responsible for hazing. These decisions will be based largely on the results of an ongoing UCAPD investigation into the allegations, according to UCA Dean of Students Dr. Gary Roberts.
Hazing is listed in Arkansas Code as a class-B misdemeanor. Persons convicted of hazing "shall, in addition to any punishment imposed by the court, be expelled from the school, college, university or other educational institution he or she is attending," according to the law.