A University of Memphis sorority has been suspended for three years for what has been described as a hazing incident, which resulted in a pledge seeking medical attention, according to a source that asked not to be named.
The Office of the Dean of Students punished the Rho Gamma chapter of Zeta Phi Beta for violating the student code of conduct.
Tori Griffith, coordinator of fraternity and sorority affairs, confirmed the suspension. However, she would not explain why the sorority was reprimanded.
"For judicial reasons, we can't share the details," Griffith said. "Reasons for suspension can vary, but it is not uncommon for suspensions to last three to six years."
Founded 46 years ago this May, the sorority will be prohibited from participating in campus activities and will not be "recognized by the University" during the suspension, according to Griffith. No fraternity or sorority has been suspended in the past two years, Griffith said.
The Zeta Phi Beta national office could not be reached for comment and the Rho Gamma chapter officers declined to speak on the suspension. The sorority chose not to appeal suspension.
The U of M fraternity and sorority affairs website defines hazing as "any intentional or reckless act... by one (or more students) which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student." It can also include "treatment of a violent, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature."
However, the website does not specifically list a penalty. Hazing is also forbidden by Tennessee statute 49-2-120.
The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. website says hazing is not allowed in any of its chapters. Sorority also states that it notifies each would-be member that hazing they should "walk away from any hazing activity, and to report all attempts to haze to the proper authorities."
The Zeta Phi Beta website also says it prosecutes any hazing activity to the fullest extent of the law.
Skylar Clayton, out-going president of the Pan-Hellenic Council and Iota Phi Theta fraternity member, would not comment on the suspended sorority. However, he did say this is the first time in the three years he has attended the U of M that a sorority or fraternity has been suspended.
"Hazing is against (Iota Phi Theta) by laws, and we don't believe in it," Clayton said. "We are supposed to support each other, not tear on another down."
Back in March, two men were arrested in connection with an alleged hazing incident involving U of M fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, according to a WREG News Channel 3 report.
