November 7, 2007

Purdue places cooperative house on probation for hazing

Glenwood Cooperative, a women's house at 503 University St., was found to have subjected new members to psychological abuse in the form of sleep deprivation, attending mandatory social functions, being blindfolded and then taken to an unknown fraternity house, and being told to perform demeaning activities. The incidents occurred Aug. 20-21, and the probation was set following an investigation and hearing by the Office of the Dean of Students.

The cooperative has been placed on probation through the end of new member education period, which is late in the 2008 fall semester.

Glenwood has no past violations. The findings and disciplinary actions are not subject to an appeal, said Martia Brawner, assistant dean of students.

"Purdue takes all hazing violations very seriously, resulting in the decision to place Glenwood Cooperative on probation," said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students. "We hope this probationary period provides a learning opportunity for the organization and that the members become more responsible and better leaders.

"The cooperative also has been given stipulations to its probationary period. If the organization fails to comply with established rules, this most likely will result in stricter sanctions, such as suspension or withdrawal of recognition."

Purdue's 12 cooperative houses are student-run independent living groups that are affiliated with the university and are bound by the same university rules that govern fraternities and sororities. Students living in a cooperative contribute two to four hours of work per week to offset part of their housing costs.

Stipulations for Glenwood's probation require:

- A new membership education program review and revision - conducted by the Office of the Dean of Students, Glenwood Cooperative and the Corporation Board, which is made up of alumni that own the house - prior to new housing contracts being completed.

- No social activities at the house that involve alcohol.

- At least two pre-approved community service projects each semester to be attended by at least 70 percent of house members.

- A 100 percent attendance at any hazing, new membership or alcohol meeting put together by Purdue Cooperative Council.

- A 100 percent attendance at Grand Prix Convocation and Community Standards Panel.

- The co-op president, risk manager and new membership/pledge chair must attend the Student Leaders Retreat.

- Development of a leadership retreat for house members.

- All active and new members must sign a non-hazing agreement to be on file in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources:   Pablo Malavenda, (765) 494-1232, pablo@purdue.edu

Martia Brawner, (765) 494-1231, mbrawner@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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