March 11, 2009

Purdue fraternities, sorority placed on probation following hazing violations

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, 629 University St., and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, 325 Waldron St., were placed on probation after new fraternity members were required to drink alcohol and perform tasks for active sorority members at a Big Sis Night. The fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon was placed on probation after new members were subjected to psychological and physical abuse, including depriving them of sleep.

Pi Kappa Alpha has been placed on probation through the end of new member education in spring semester 2010. Kappa Kappa Gamma is on probation through the end of fall semester 2009. Lambda Phi Epsilon is on probation until the end of the spring 2010 semester.

"We have already had a dialogue with the chapter leaders, alumni and national office staff," said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students. "We are looking forward to working collaboratively to assist the chapters in getting beyond this to become stronger organizations. We view this as an educational process and an opportunity to work closely with these chapters at this difficult time."

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.

All three organizations must attend a variety of campus events and programming, such as hazing, new membership and alcohol education programs and the Student Leaders Retreat on Aug. 19-21.

In addition, Lambda Phi Epsilon is not allowed to have a new members class for spring 2009; Lambda Phi Epsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha must have their new member education program reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students and their national offices; Pi Kappa Alpha and Kappa Kappa Gamma will have to work together on the development of an educational program in conjunction with Hazing Prevention Week; and Pi Kappa Alpha must have 70 percent of its members participate in at least two community service projects each semester.

At the end of each of the group's probationary period, it must petition to the Office of the Dean of Students to be placed in good standing with the university. Probations are not subject to an appeal.

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 the organization's recognition.

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

Sources: Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students, 765-494-1232, pablo@purdue.edu

L. Tony Hawkins, dean of students, 765-494-1239

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

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