While the University is investigating other Greek organizations for possible hazing violations, it has released details about Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity’s violations.
Victor Felts, assistant dean of students and director of Greek Affairs, said Lambda Chi members subjected their new members to physical abuse, improper obligations and psychological abuse, which are direct violations of the Interfraternity Council’s hazing policy, during the fall 2003 semester.
Dean of Students Kevin Price said new members of the fraternity were forced to do push-ups in trash, “wall-sits,” serve as “pledge of the day” and were blindfolded while subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation.
Despite rumors of active fraternity members forcing new members to roll around in broken glass, Felts said the investigation showed no evidence of this. He said there may have been glass in the trash in which new members were required to perform push-ups, but there was no evidence that this was intentional.
Felts said the “wall-sits” involved requiring new members to lean their backs against a wall with their knees at a 45 degree angle, while reciting fraternity information.
Price said the “pledge of the day” was expected to be around the house and take active members to and from class.
Price said the new members also were “encouraged to chug syrup.”
Felts said the investigation also uncovered an incident earlier in the semester where Lambda Chi was in violation of the University’s alcohol policy for having alcohol in the fraternity house without approval.
Felts said the fraternity also violated University policy by holding two separate fundraisers at bars and not having the University approve its Watermelon Bust T-shirt design.
Felts said Friday that the information about the violations came from within the fraternity chapter.
Felts said before the recent incidents, Lambda Chi was on probation for fighting and alcohol violations. The Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of Greek Affairs announced Friday that they have extended the fraternity’s probation through 2005 and members cannot have alcohol in the house through 2004.
The University currently is investigating Delta Gamma Sorority and Kappa Alpha Order for possible hazing violations.
Felts said the University has not taken any official action against either Greek organization, but hopes to conclude the investigations as soon as possible.
“We are currently working with Greek Affairs to clarify areas of concern,” said Brad Resweber, KA president. “We are looking forward to the initiation of all 44 of our new members. KA is working with Greek Affairs to clear up this investigation as soon as possible.
Felts said it is rare for a sorority to be under investigation for hazing violations.
“It’s not very common that sororities are investigated for hazing, but it’s not the first time,” Felts said.
DG was founded at LSU in 1948 and was awarded “outstanding chapter” at last year’s Greek awards ceremony. The chapter also received a gold assessment level in the spring 2003 Greek assessment.
KA was founded at LSU in 1885 and re-chartered in 1995. The chapter received a silver assessment level in the spring 2003 Greek assessment.
The assessment measures each Greek organization’s campus involvement and community service, education for new and continuing members, academics and operations. The gold level is an accreditation with praise and the silver level is an accreditation with recommendations.
A representative from DG was not available for comment before press time.