16 February 2005

Longwood suspends fraternity pledge process

As a result of reported hazing incidents, Longwood University officials decided yesterday to suspend the fraternity new member pledge process, pending a review of all fraternity pledge activities. According to Tim Pierson, vice president for student affairs, "This is an unprecedented action, but we think it's in the best interest of our students."

The hazing incidents are under investigation by the Longwood University Police Department and the Office of Student Affairs.

The university has suspended all new member (pledge) activities for all social fraternities pending the conclusion of this investigation. In addition to suspending activities for all social fraternities, the university has suspended all Sigma Phi Epsilon member activities due to violation of its probationary terms. "We will not tolerate hazing of any kind on or off this campus," stated Pierson. "It's just not who we are or what we stand for at Longwood. Hazing is a violation of the Longwood University Conduct Code and is counter to our mission to develop good citizen leaders."

According to the Longwood University Student Handbook, hazing is defined as "any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." The definition is broadened by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to include all "fraternity/sorority organizations, recognized student clubs/organizations, organized athletic teams, individual students or student groups."

Three years ago, Longwood University initiated an annual Greek summit where faculty and staff members spend a weekend with the leadership and new members of fraternities and sororities. The educational summit is held at the beginning of the spring semester to coincide with the pledge process as fraternities and sororities seek new members. "The Greek summit is one of the ways in which we try to interact with the leadership of fraternities and sororities," stated Pierson. "We bring in guest speakers, conduct educational forums, and discuss such topics as hazing and bias-related incidents. We are making progress, but it's an ongoing process because each year you have new students."