Three fraternities at the University have been suspended by
their national chapters for their parts in the alleged hazing
incidents which the University began investigating two weeks ago,
said Dean of Students Sue Eklund.
Suspension policies vary from one national chapter to another,
but a suspension usually does not lead to a fraternity being kicked
off campus.
Members of the Interfraternity Council were unable to comment on
the suspensions.
Although the Ann Arbor Police Department said earlier this week
that it had found no evidence to support the hazing allegations,
the University said yesterday it continues to investigate hazing
incidents at six fraternities and sororities through the Office of
Student Conflict Resolution.
“(OSCR) have interviewed over 200 people and have another
100 people to go,” said Eklund who was promoted from interim
dean yesterday.
Eklund added that the University’s investigation of hazing
is broader than that of the AAPD, because administrators are
looking for effects of hazing such as humiliation or people being
forced to compromise their moral or religious values, and not just
physical harm, which could lead to prosecution under the
state’s new hazing laws.
“The need for proof beyond a reasonable doubt is stronger
in the criminal law system,” she said.
Eklund added that seven chapters were initially being
investigated, but one of those has been withdrawn because she said
it wasn’t worth pursuing.
OSCR, however, has yet to take action against any students.
“They’re intending to wait until they get through
with these interviews. At that point, they will decide how to
pursue any disciplinary or sanctioning processes,” Eklund
said.
Eklund said OSCR can suspend or expel students, but such harsh
punishments are relatively rare.
“It’s much more frequent that people are put on
probation and have educational sanctions,” she added.
The University began the investigations because they received a
number of allegations from students, Eklund said.
“We only had reports that came in from students and staff
and, in one case, an advisor from one of the Greek chapters,”
she added.
The AAPD is also investigating the hazing allegations. Eklund
said according to the new hazing law that was passed in the state
in August, if the University has received hazing allegations, they
must turn it over to the police.
“There were allegations made to University officials,
which University officials provided to the police department
because of the potential for criminal activity,” Lt. Chris
Heatley said.
Heatley said, however, that so far no evidence has been found of
any criminal activity, and AAPD has not yet planned to take any
action against the fraternities or sororities.
OSCR is not working with the AAPD on the investigations because
their information is protected under the Family Educational Right
to Privacy Act.