April 10, 2009
SPRINGFIELD — Hazing incidents at Wittenberg University have resulted in the closing of a fraternity and sanctions levied against a sorority.
National representatives of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity closed the chapter on March 23 after it determined “serious hazing incidents that put our students at risk both mentally and physically,” said Sarah Kelly, Wittenberg’s vice president of student development and dean of students. The chapter has 23 members, eight of whom will graduate next month. It will remain closed until the fall of 2012, giving the chapter a chance to “recolonize” and gather a strong alumni, Kelly said.
The week prior, national representatives of the Chi Omega sorority joined the university in levying sanctions against its local chapter due to hazing.
The chapter was re-organized and will remain active, said Casey Stevens, Wittenberg’s director of Greek life.
“We feel (the sorority’s strong alumni base) will be able to intervene in this situation and they will continue to be consistent leaders on our campus,” Stevens said. The sorority has more than 80 members.
In both cases, individuals reported the incidents directly to the national chapters, which worked with the university in the investigation.
“We think its extremely disappointing that the actions of the men involved in this have ruined a decades-long tradition we have had with Wittenberg University,” said Scott Wylie, executive director of the Delta Sigma Phi national chapter. “We are hoping to have the opportunity to return (to Wittenberg).” Stevens has been working with the chapters since she took over Greek life 10 months ago, asking them to revisit their values and hold each other accountable to how they represent the university, Kelly said.
“These incidents serve as a wake-up call to our fraternities and sororities and provide an opportunity for us to have broader campus conversations about having and the way it undermines the very fabric of the Wittenberg community,” Kelly said.
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