Southern Digest
June 19, 2006
By Janene Tate, Southern Digest
Baton Rouge, La.
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has beensuspended from operation. The order was handed down from Robert Bennett, dean of Student Life at Southern University.
According to Bennett, between Monday, Jan. 24 and Tuesday, Jan. 25, members of the fraternity allegedly took an apparent prospective member to a hotel in Port Allen and in a wooded area in Zachary on two occasions. The prospective member was allegedly struck repeatedly on the buttocks, shoulders and back at both locations. He later reported his attacks to the SU Police Department.
"Although the young man reported the incident to us, it did not occur in our jurisdiction," said SU Chief of Police Dale Flowers. "We advised him to contact the appropriate police departments in Port Allen and Zachary.
"Bennett said the individuals who allegedly inflicted harm on the prospective member face several consequences. If individuals are indeed identified as the abusers, their charges will be handled on an individual basis. If no individual comes forward or is officially identified, the entire fraternity will face further punishment."First of all, hazing is a felony -- they (members) can be arrested. Second, they can be suspended from the university for violating the university's code of conduct. Third, the fraternity can suspend them from membership," Bennett said.
It has also been discovered that the fraternity allegedly inflicted abuse on the prospective member before their official intake request was cleared with the university.
Bennett and other university officials stress proper conduct amongst fraternal organizations. Pan-Hellenic members and their advisers were required to attend a hazing/judicial workshop in November 2004. The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body of the nine black Greek organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta.
Bennett said the university tries to conduct such workshops twice a year.
"It's not like these organizations don't know what hazing is...or the consequences of partaking in it," Bennett said.
According to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.'s Web site, the NPHC defines hazing as "action that results in excessive mutual or physical discomfort, embarrassment or harassment; that such activities include, but are not limited to, paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock, morally degrading or humiliating activities, late work sessions that interfere with scholastic activities and any other activities inconsistent with fraternal law and regulations and policies of the affiliated educational institution and federal, state or local law." The organization states that these actions are defined as hazing whether it occurs on or off campus, fraternity premises or other places where members and prospective members meet.
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Inc. was last suspended in April 2002 for misconduct at a step show at Xavier University in New Orleans.
Bennett said the university is following proper protocol in this matter.
"We don't want to jeopardize anyone's collegiate career, but these sanctions are in place for things like this," Bennett said.No further information about the alleged abuse case was available at press time. Further investigation is pending by Bennett and police officials in Zachary and Port Allen.(C) 2006 Southern Digest
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