Several selective living groups will meet with administrators from the Office of Student Development this week to find out the results of investigations into hazing.
The first group to hear the results of its investigation was Theta Chi fraternity, which was found guilty of violating the hazing and alcohol policies. At least four other selective groups--greek and non-greek--await decisions in investigations for judicial violations, which include pledging incidents, initiation activities, alcohol distribution and property damage.
The decisions were made by a panel that included Kacie Wallace, associate dean for judicial affairs, Stephen Bryan, assistant dean for judicial affairs and Sue Wasiolek, assistant vice president for student affairs.
Senior Michael Wick, Interfraternity Council president, said crackdowns on hazing have increased nationwide. He said pledging concerns have been raised this year across campus and that expectations have risen correspondingly.
"The hazing policy is quite vague as it stands right now," he wrote in an e-mail. "The policy needs to improve to get everyone on the same page as far as what is considered pledging and what is considered hazing."
In a letter to Theta Chi, OSD suspended this year's pledge process and all fraternity activities--including intramural sports and on- or off-campus events--through fall break next year. In addition, the group may not access its dedicated commons room through the end of next semester.
"I think a punishment was warranted, but not to the extent or scope that it was handed out," said junior George Whitener, Theta Chi president. "I still firmly contend there was no hazing."
Todd Adams, assistant dean of student development and incoming dean for greek life, said the punishments were tough but fair.
Wallace could not be reached for comment late Tuesday night.
Deans became suspicious after Duke police arrived at the Theta Chi section in Edens Quadrangle early the morning of Feb. 17, in response to a call regarding an intoxicated student who had fallen and cut his head.
Police then determined the commons room areas were safety hazards because they were slippery from spilled beer and discovered 30 empty cases of beer in the corner of the room.
Upon further investigation, the deans found that the event was an informal party spearheaded by the upperclass brothers and that "little sisters" were present and wrote phrases such as "loser" on pledges and brothers.
"Given the severity of these events and your recent history, one might question what contributions your group makes to the University community," OSD's letter reads. "We strongly considered chapter suspension, charter revocation and housing dissolution as sanctions."
Whitener questioned whether the investigations violated the spirit of the amnesty policy.
"They wouldn't have known about this had we not called," he said.
Adams explained that the amnesty policy does not provide immunity for other violations found while administrators investigate alcohol-related incidents.
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