2008 Woodie Awards
Theta Charter Revoked
Hazing Allegations May Signal End of KA?
Geoff Guenther
Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: News
An alleged incident of hazing at Colgate's chapter of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority has led to the chapter being placed on interim suspension by the University. In response to the alleged incident, the national Grand Council of Kappa Alpha Theta has withdrawn the chapter's charter. The interim suspension of Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta) has placed all chapter-related activities on hold until a decision regarding the sorority has been reached by the University.
"Everything has been placed on pause," Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Greek Life Tim Mansfield said. "What we need to do now is to find out if there is any truth behind these allegations."
The alleged hazing occurred on the night of September 16th, one day after the current class of new members were given their bids.
Mansfield stressed that no final decision has been made by the University with regards to Theta's status.
The fact that the national Grand Council has severed its relationship with Colgate will have a serious effect on Theta's future because, as Mansfield explained, "Greek chapters must be recognized by the University, and to be recognized by the University, chapters must maintain national affiliation."
Colgate's policy is very strict with regards to hazing, stating that, "Groups that violate the University hazing policy will forfeit recognition." The Student Handbook also explains that New York State has an Anti-Hazing Law, which makes hazing in the first or second degree a felony.
"Serious mistakes mean serious consequences," Mansfield said.
A University hearing regarding the allegations against Theta is tentatively scheduled for October 9th.
Speculation has spread throughout the student body about the incident and its implications for Theta and for Greek Life in general at Colgate. Many students wonder whether the current members of Theta could begin colonizing a new group, and where those women would live if Theta lost University recognition.
"Everything has been placed on pause," Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Greek Life Tim Mansfield said. "What we need to do now is to find out if there is any truth behind these allegations."
The alleged hazing occurred on the night of September 16th, one day after the current class of new members were given their bids.
Mansfield stressed that no final decision has been made by the University with regards to Theta's status.
The fact that the national Grand Council has severed its relationship with Colgate will have a serious effect on Theta's future because, as Mansfield explained, "Greek chapters must be recognized by the University, and to be recognized by the University, chapters must maintain national affiliation."
Colgate's policy is very strict with regards to hazing, stating that, "Groups that violate the University hazing policy will forfeit recognition." The Student Handbook also explains that New York State has an Anti-Hazing Law, which makes hazing in the first or second degree a felony.
"Serious mistakes mean serious consequences," Mansfield said.
A University hearing regarding the allegations against Theta is tentatively scheduled for October 9th.
Speculation has spread throughout the student body about the incident and its implications for Theta and for Greek Life in general at Colgate. Many students wonder whether the current members of Theta could begin colonizing a new group, and where those women would live if Theta lost University recognition.
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Valerie Valdiserri
posted 9/26/08 @ 5:12 PM EST
The recent unfortunate incident on hazing greatly saddens me as a parent of a Theta member. Kappa Alpha Theta has provided many opportunities for personal growth for my daughter and leadership opportunities which otherwise would not have been possible. (Continued…)
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