2008 Woodie Awards
Sorority suspended for hazing
Monica Springer
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Collegian Front Page
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Phi Sheba Phi is suspended until February 2008 for hazing violations.
Because of its suspension, any activities Phi Sheba Phi was planning through February will not happen. These events include the Black and White Ball and the Halloween Party, both previously held in the Java Jinx
Gloria Griffin, vice-president of Phi Sheba Phi, said the group is undecided on whether they'll continue in February, start in fall 2008, or if they'll be back at all.
"We don't know yet," Griffin said.
The sorority's 12 members were rushing 15 pledges this year.
"Apart from our violations, Phi Sheba Phi is a good organization and we do promote the positives of being in an organization," Griffin said. "When we say that we form bonds among sisters and have a safe haven for girls, that's really what it is."
Members of Phi Sheba Phi said they are discouraged with the suspension because they do not know which hazing rules they broke.
Sheleah Taylor, director of campus life, said the administration did not want to comment on details of the suspension.
"It's not that long of a suspension. We don't want to blow it out of proportion. They broke it and it's just consequences that they have to deal with," Taylor said.
Phi Sheba Phi will also complete 20 hours of community service as a group. They have not decided where and when that service will be completed yet.
At the end of rush week, which was Sept. 17-20, members of Phi Sheba Phi took rushees to Island Park to participate in a scavenger hunt.
The hazing policy is in portion 8.6 in the Student Life Policies.
Part 8.6.1.1 defines illegal activity as "Conducting quests, treasure hunts, or little sister hunts that include illegal activity, physical abuse or psychological abuse."
Members said they did not do anything illegal and did not abuse the pledges.
"According to the guidelines, no I do not think we were hazing them," Griffin said. "It also says you can't have them do a scavenger hunt with illegal items. They were looking for symbols of Phi Sheba Phi."
Because of its suspension, any activities Phi Sheba Phi was planning through February will not happen. These events include the Black and White Ball and the Halloween Party, both previously held in the Java Jinx
Gloria Griffin, vice-president of Phi Sheba Phi, said the group is undecided on whether they'll continue in February, start in fall 2008, or if they'll be back at all.
"We don't know yet," Griffin said.
The sorority's 12 members were rushing 15 pledges this year.
"Apart from our violations, Phi Sheba Phi is a good organization and we do promote the positives of being in an organization," Griffin said. "When we say that we form bonds among sisters and have a safe haven for girls, that's really what it is."
Members of Phi Sheba Phi said they are discouraged with the suspension because they do not know which hazing rules they broke.
Sheleah Taylor, director of campus life, said the administration did not want to comment on details of the suspension.
"It's not that long of a suspension. We don't want to blow it out of proportion. They broke it and it's just consequences that they have to deal with," Taylor said.
Phi Sheba Phi will also complete 20 hours of community service as a group. They have not decided where and when that service will be completed yet.
At the end of rush week, which was Sept. 17-20, members of Phi Sheba Phi took rushees to Island Park to participate in a scavenger hunt.
The hazing policy is in portion 8.6 in the Student Life Policies.
Part 8.6.1.1 defines illegal activity as "Conducting quests, treasure hunts, or little sister hunts that include illegal activity, physical abuse or psychological abuse."
Members said they did not do anything illegal and did not abuse the pledges.
"According to the guidelines, no I do not think we were hazing them," Griffin said. "It also says you can't have them do a scavenger hunt with illegal items. They were looking for symbols of Phi Sheba Phi."
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