December 21, 2007
Purdue sorority placed on probation following hazing violations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University officials on Friday (Dec. 21) announced that a sorority has been placed on probation for violating the university's hazing policies.Delta Phi Lambda, 217 Sheetz St., was placed on probation after new members were subjected to verbal, psychological and physical abuse during the month of November, according to the Office of the Dean of Students.
Delta Phi Lambda was found to have asked new members to perform physical activities, such as calisthenics, when the students answered questions incorrectly about the organization and their personal lives, said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students.
Organizations on probation retain the rights and privileges the university grants to groups in good standing but are issued a warning and must adhere to a specific list of rules and conditions.
Stipulations of Delta Phi Lambda's probation require:
- A new member education program review or revision conducted by the Office of the Dean of Students and the Purdue colony of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. The review must include the structure of mandatory potential new member events and educational sessions.
- The sorority to adhere to the sanctions put forth by its national office.
- All members to attend any hazing or new membership program sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students.
The probationary period will last through the end of the new member education period during the 2008 fall semester. At the conclusion of the probationary period, the Office of the Dean of Students will conduct a review before the organization is placed in good standing with the university.
Purdue regulations define hazing as any activity that interferes with scholastic activities, creates a substantial risk or physical harm or degrades any person. Punishments can range from a verbal or written warning to withdrawal of recognition of the student organization.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Sources: Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students, (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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