Fighting and hazing being investigated by Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office has suspended the activities of two UA fraternities after reports of alleged hazing and fighting.

The suspensions of the Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Chi fraternities include deferral of this weekend's homecoming activities.

All Pi Kappa Alpha-sponsored activities were suspended last week after a number of fights were reported that involved members of the fraternity, said Veda Kowalski, associate dean of students.

On Oct. 28, a pledge from the Kappa Sigma fraternity was punched after a confrontation with another male who was said to be a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

The activities of Delta Chi were suspended two weeks ago after an anonymous report of hazing occurred.

Neither fraternity could be reached for comment.

Ken Tierney, vice president of the Interfraternity Council, said any punishment given to fraternities because of an act of hazing is a good thing.

"It's definitely a step in the right direction," he said.

The University of Arizona describes hazing as requiring members of a fraternity or sorority to consume alcohol or forcing any type of humiliating or physically or morally degrading activity on its members. Hazing can also occur between members of other organizations.

UA strengthened its already strict hazing policies in August after the legislature passed a law making hazing illegal.

Kowalski said the Dean of Students Office is currently investigating incidents relating to both fraternities. She said appropriate punishments will be dealt to the fraternities once the investigation is complete.

"It all depends on what we find," Kowalski said. "(The punishment) could range from a reprimand to a disassociation from the university."