WILL SEBERGER/Arizona Summer Wildcat Chris Huitfelt, undeclared sophomore, appeals to the crowd while his fraternity brothers auction him off for a date at a charity event held at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house. The money raised will be donated to the Bobbi Olson Memorial Fund.

Ouch! Hazing hurts fraternities' rush opportunities

Within recent years, the University of Arizona has been cracking down on fraternity hazing. As a result, some UA fraternities will not be allowed to participate in rush this fall. According to Dean of Students Veda Kowalski, the following fraternal organizations will be prohibited from participating in fall rush:

Pi Kappa Alpha ö PIKE was originally put on probation in February 2001 for hazing violations. The fraternity then violated the conditions of their probation in September of 2002 when Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol (GAMMA) found alcohol at a dry party held at the fraternity house. PIKE's recognition was formerly revoked by UA upon hearing GAMMA's report. PIKE's national charter was then revoked on May 16, 2003, said Pi Kappa Alpha national headquarters. Following the announcement of the loss of national recognition some angry PIKE members began to vandalize their fraternity house, said member John Clark, in an interview with KVOA, News Channel 4.

Delta Chi ö Delta Chi was stripped of recognition in May 2002 for hazing violations reportedly occurring in August and September 2001. Although the fraternity still retains its national recognition, Kowalski says that the organization will be banned from fall rush. Delta Chi will also be banned from participating in co-sponsored activities such as Spring Fling and homecoming until at least 2004.

Sigma Chi ö Sigma Chi had its recognition withdrawn for four years following a hazing investigation conducted by the of the Dean of Students Office, said Kowalski. The incidents reportedly occurred sometime in January of 2001 and investigations concluded on April 11 when the fraternity's recognition was withdrawn. Sigma Chi's national charter was also revoked in June. Local member and ASUA president J.P. Benedict told the Summer Wildcat that the national charter was revoked because of the chapter's long history of hazing violations.

Delta Tau Delta ö DTD was placed on probation during the spring semester 2003 through May 2004 for hazing violations occurring in January. Some DTD members will be required to perform a total of 500 hours community service and present a program on hazing to the Inter-fraternity Council, said Kowalski. In addition, DTD national headquarters is requiring the chapter to pay a fine of $2500 and conduct a similar anti-hazing program.

Kappa Sigma ö Kappa Sigma, UA's oldest fraternity, has had its recognition suspended by the university from July 3 to November 21 for hazing violations. The fraternity is prohibited from conducting rush "until they complete an education program," said Kowalski. Kappa Sigma still retains its national charter.

In addition to the above fraternities, Kowalski said that Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Zeta Beta Tau have also lost university recognition and are prohibited in participating in fall rush. Members of these fraternities were unavailable for comment.

These fraternities will be unable to participate in rush because of previous hazing or alcohol violations said the Dean of Students Office. The University of Arizona Code of Student Conduct defines hazing: "any activity undertaken or situation created, by any individual, group of individuals or organization, in which individuals are voluntarily or involuntarily subjected to activities that have the potential to harass, intimidate, impart pain, humiliate, invite ridicule or, cause undue mental or physical fatigue or distress, or to cause mutilation, laceration, or bodily injury."