FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/23/00
FRATERNITIES SUSPENDED PENDING INVESTIGATIONS INTO HAZING AT SDSU
CONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204, jack.beresford@sdsu.edu
Two fraternities affiliated with San Diego State University, Beta Theta Pi and Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), have been suspended pending investigations into separate hazing incidents, according to SDSU vice president for Student Affairs, Jim Kitchen.
Beta Theta Pi is under investigation for a suspected hazing incident that occurred Sept. 30 at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house on College Ave. That incident involved four 18-year-old pledges who were allegedly provided alcohol and coerced into drinking by one or more fraternity members. One of the pledges was later taken to the hospital and treated for alcohol poisoning and a gash on his chin.
TKE is under investigation for a suspected hazing incident that occurred early the morning of Oct. 17. It is alleged that three 18-year-old pledges were provided alcohol and coerced into drinking by an active member of the fraternity, at the fraternity member's apartment. One of the pledges was taken by paramedics to Alvarado Hospital with a near fatal case of alcohol poisoning. The pledge was released the same morning. The active TKE member who was involved in the incident has since been expelled from the fraternity.
The SDSU Police is conducting criminal investigations into both incidents. Information gathered in these investigations will be provided to the City Attorney's office for review and possible prosecution. In addition, Housing and Residential Life and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) Judicial Board are conducting separate investigations into both incidents. The incidents have also been referred to the SDSU Office of Judicial Procedures for review. Individual statements found in violation of the California code of regulations governing student behavior may be expelled, suspended or placed on probation.Possible penalties against the fraternities by the university range from probations to permanent suspension. It is University policy that the names of students involved in judicial procedures are not made public. During the suspension, TKE and Beta Theta Pi will lose all rights and privileges and will no longer be associated with the University. This includes loss of the right to sponsor events and social functions, use University facilities and vote on the IFC board.
"I am disappointed in the leadership of these two groups," said Kitchen. "I have been very vocal about the fact that hazing is illegal, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. While I will await the final outcome of the campus investigation, both these cases are sufficiently serious that I believe it is appropriate to suspend these groups pending the conclusion of the formal review process.
"As a campus community, we are most fortunate that the pledges victimized were not more seriously injured or even killed," Kitchen added. "Hopefully, these two incidents will serve as a wake-up call for other students. For more than 10 years, SDSU has been implementing alcohol prevention and awareness programs both in the Greek community and campus wide. Unfortunately, it appears that a few students either did not get the message or for whatever reason chose to ignore it, putting their 'brothers,' themselves and their organizations at risk."
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