FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/16/00
STATEMENT ON BETA THETA PI INVESTIGATION
CONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204, jack.beresford@sdsu.edu
An investigation is currently underway into a suspected hazing
incident that occurred on Sept. 30 at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity
house on College Avenue. The incident involves four 18-year old
Beta Theta Pi pledges who claim to have been coerced into drinking
several shots of vodka by one or more fraternity members following
a party. One of the pledges was subsequently taken to Alvarado
Hospital in a highly intoxicated condition and with a gash on
his chin. The student was treated for alcohol poisoning and released
the next morning. All four students, who reside in Zura Residence
Hall, have since left the fraternity.
Under investigation are several possible violations of SDSU's
alcohol and hazing policies. This includes serving alcohol to
minors, serving hard alcohol at chapter functions and compelling
pledges or new members to consume alcohol - which is considered
hazing. The investigation is being jointly conducted by the University
Police, Housing and Residential Life and the Interfraternity
Council (IFC) Judicial Board. The matter has also been referred
to the SDSU Office of Judicial Procedures for review. Students
found in violation of University regulations may be expelled,
suspended, or placed on probation. Until the judicial process
is completed, none of the names of the students involved will
be made public. However, the Beta Theta Pi advisor and national
fraternity have both been contacted about the incident. The national
fraternity is reviewing the incident.
"Hazing, particularly when alcohol is involved, is totally
unacceptable behavior," said Dr. Jim Kitchen, SDSU's vice
president for Student Affairs. "SDSU advocates and implements
alcohol prevention and awareness programs both in its Greek community
and campuswide. It is part of our mission as a University to
educate our students through a productive proactive partnership
between students, faculty and staff."
Campus educational programs include:
* Student-to-Student - San Diego State University's first alcohol
and other drug prevention program. Established in 1990, this
program aims to create a safe and caring campus community through
the use of peer education. Through presentations, social marketing
and environmental strategies and media advocacy peer educators
work to reduce risk on campus. Topics discussed include driving
under the influence, guide to Spring Break in Mexico, college
drinking myths and how to hang out with drinkers when you're
not drinking. Today, Student-to-Student members are actively
engaged in policy-making activities and are active participants
in the Bi-national SDSU Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Partnership.
* GAMMA (Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol) - Established
in 1988, GAMMA provides students alternative programs and activities
to drinking. GAMMA focuses on peer programming because Greeks
are more receptive to peers than professionals. Education on
eating disorders, alcohol, drugs, self-defense and rape is offered
to sorority and fraternity members through this program. GAMMA
partners with the Wellness Center, Peer Health Educators and
Student-to-Student, and allows sororities and fraternities to
turn to peers as an alternative to paid professional speakers.
* Peer Health Educators (PHE) - Student Health Services program,
which helps to educate students on a variety of health issues,
including alcohol consumption. The PHE program, which began in
1988, is supervised by the Health Promotion Department staff
and made up of a group of specially trained SDSU students who
promote wellness on campus.
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