Shutterstock
The Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has lost their recognition at Cornell University due to incidents related to hazing. The university announced on Thursday, August 23, that the fraternity has lost its on-campus recognition for at least two years.
According to reports, the last alleged incident of hazing was reported during the spring 2017 semester. An investigation by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life found photos “showing humiliation, demeaning treatment, and intimidation” that indicated an “endangerment of physical health and mental distress.”
The Cornell Sun reports that on one photo, “two members were laying on the ground atop a tarp, with food and liquid materials spread all over them while wearing only underwear” and in another photo, a new member’s “pants were unzipped and his underwear was exposed.”
It is unclear if these specific incidents led to the loss of their charter.
via The Cornell Sun:
Kappa Alpha Psi was placed on interim suspension in April 2017. The interim suspension was lifted on May 10, after which it was placed on a yearlong probationary period, according to a university statement. During this time, Kappa Alpha Psi was required to meet regularly with MGLC leadership and full revocation would be considered if the chapter did not adhere to University rules, The Sun previously reported.
In an attempt to combat hazing on campus, President Pollack issued a new set of reforms in May for Greek letter organizations in order to “elevate behavioral expectations” among members of Greek life.
After two years, the fraternity can request to be recognized again, and if approved, it will be on probationary status for at least another two years, according to the statement issued on Thursday by Joseph A. Burke, executive director of campus and community engagement.
This is the latest major fraternity or sorority investigation, suspension or closure in the last year, as schools such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State and Penn State have all suspended fraternities in the wake of hazing and alcohol deaths.
These reports come amidst similar allegations that have been made against fraternities nationwide, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon at East Carolina University, who was shut down for hazing and the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at the University of Arkansas which has been accused of taking sexually explicit photographs of women without their permission.
In response to incidents like these, fraternities such Phi Kappa Psi have made numerous changes to their code of conduct in an effort to address the issues that have arisen. In addition, schools such as Texas State, West Virginia University, and Penn State University have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
