Kappa Sigma was found not responsible for hazing charges by an Administrative Conduct Board Oct. 4, but the fraternity pled responsible for not following university directives, leaving them on probation through the end of 2009.
In a hearing that lasted more than four hours, five faculty and staff members voted unanimously that there was insufficient evidence to find the fraternity responsible for hazing. The fraternity would likely have been kicked off campus if found responsible.
“I feel tremendously relieved,” said Kappa Sigma President Jordan Beard. “I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things and put this behind us.”
Beard said that the whole process was a great distraction and took time away from exams and job interviews.
Sanctions
Administrators said Kappa Sigma was given strict sanctions because of its ongoing cultural problems.
“They have been told over and over again about their culture of disruptive behavior and the way they communicate with other members of the university body,” said Casey Stevens, director of civic engagement. “They need to continue to make positive changes and contribute to the community on campus.”
The fraternity has been placed on probation through December 31, 2009. “Any violation of their probation, upon investigation, will result in the immediate removal from the university’s recognition of student organization status,” said Judicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer.
Other sanctions include the requirement to submit a calendar each semester, beginning this semester, containing a description of all planned events to be approved by the Dean of Students. The calendar must also be handed out to all brothers and pledges.
Additionally, Kappa Sigma is not allowed to hold any events in residence halls unless the rooms are common space and have been approved by ResLife.
“This is the last straw,” said Stevens. “If they don’t make all the changes necessary to be productive members of the university, they will not be recognized as an organization.”
“Journey Walk” Banned
As part of Kappa Sigma’s sanctions, the fraternity is no longer allowed to hold the “Journey Walk” or any similar events.
According to Mike Gilmer, the “Journey Walk” is an event that is supposed to capstone what it means to be a member of Kappa Sigma. It consists of team-building activities that aim to build brotherhood, trust, and other virtues that the fraternity deems desirable.
Several students reported seeing the fraternity marching recruits through ResCom and running in the athletic fields.
Though these allegations were not a part of the hazing charges, Beard said the events witnessed were misconceived and were actually part of the fraternity’s “Journey Walk,” an event which has in the past been approved by SAO.
The fraternity had previously been told not to do the walk at night and to get Student Activities permission before doing the walk. The fraternity admitted that neither of those things occurred, hence their plea on the Article V violation (compliance with directives).
The walk reached its conclusion on the roof of the Thomas Parking Garage, where a silent witness reported the alleged hazing took place.
However, the silent witness failed to come forward for the hearing, and the Administrative Board unanimously voted in Kappa Sigma’s favor.
Gilmer says that the hazing charges brought against Kappa Sigma were exclusively pertaining to the allegations that took place on the top level of the Thomas Parking Garage, where the “Journey Walk” culminated.
There were other allegations elsewhere, but these were not part of the charges because nobody came forward with information.
Security sent a statement to the Office of Student Conduct saying that the security video on the top floor of the Thomas Parking Garage did not show anything to substantiate hazing charges.
