UCSD’s Kappa Rho Chapter of Sigma Nu is under investigation
by the organization’s national headquarters for alleged hazing, according to
Timothy Braddick, director of fraternal operations at Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
The accusations stem from an anonymous source who sent an
e-mail to the fraternity’s anti-hazing hotline, claiming that Kappa Rho
violated fraternity codes and alcohol policies. Several photos were attached to
the e-mail.
“I can’t give specific details about the content of the
pictures, but a few of them were fairly dated, at least a few years old,”
Braddick said.
The source obtained the pictures from the Facebook profiles
of Sigma Nu brothers, said Sigma Nu President Robbie Holmes. Apparently,
several brothers received “harassing” messages from the source that, coupled
with low security settings, established a thread allowing access to the
brothers’ profiles. The informant logged on under the alias of “Trent Jacobs”
and was not part of any network.
“We never responded to the messages and have absolutely no
idea who it is,” Holmes said.
The evidence presented to Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. brought
officials from the organization to UCSD’s campus last month. The fraternity’s
undergraduate members were individually interviewed by officials, and pledging
has been delayed while the investigation continues.
“We are working closely with university officials to resolve
these issues,” Braddick said. “The candidate program has been suspended until
we finalize a plan to assist the chapter to move forward from this.”
As hazing rumors continue to circulate, charges against
other organizations within the Greek community have yet to be substantiated.
“While I cannot speak to any specific allegations, as a
leader of the Greek community I can say that hazing is not tolerated by our
Greek community and that any allegations are taken seriously,” said Liz Hill,
president of UCSD’s Panhellenic Council.
However, accusations of fraternity hazing have not been
presented to the Interfraternity Council, according to IFC President Ken Schwartz.
“I do not know who made this claim nor why they made this
claim,” Schwartz said. “All chapters have been advised to review their Risk
Management Policies.”
Hazing is a violation of both the UCSD Conduct Code and
state law. Students found guilty of hazing can incur monetary fines, academic
suspension and possibly prison time. Student organizations linked to hazing can
lose their affiliation with the campus.
“Hazing is a very serious matter,” Student Organizations
Adviser Marilyn Russell said. “Hazing is physically and emotionally damaging
and can be degrading and humiliating for group members. It has no place in any
organization.”
If allegations of hazing surface, the Center for Student
Involvement immediately conducts an investigation, evaluating the evidence
using Student Policies and Judicial Affairs to determine if a violation of the
Student Conduct Code has occurred.
Russell said she was unable to provide specific details
about any hazing allegations on campus at this time.
According to the Sigma
Nu Web site, the fraternity aims “to develop ethical leaders inspired by the
principles of love, honor and truth” by overcoming “traditional recruitment
practices and challenges.” Sigma Nu enforces value-based recruitment, described
as “the fraternity world’s most cutting-edge recruitment program” to help
“increase both the quality and quantity” of chapter membership.
