PV suspends Sigmas

The Delta Theta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., has been suspended from Prairie View A&M University until December 2014, according to a letter given to the organization April 7, by the Organizational Review Board and the director of student activities and leadership, Steve Ransom.

Members of the organization were sanctioned by the ORB for violating university guidelines regarding the membership intake process, the "cease and desist directive" issued, and hazing.

"This reprimand like any other is a result of a violation. If you violate a rule, you have to suffer the consequences," said Sheleah Hughes, the university's director of public relations.

The Delta Theta chapter violated the 2009 MIP regulations by engaging in the process prior to the allowed Oct. 25, 2009, date. Between dates Oct. 14-19, several meetings were held with members and aspirants regarding pledging rules and information, pledge process items were purchased and physical training at Hempstead High School took place.

During the first meeting, line numbers were distributed.

Aspirants were even asked to give their phone numbers out to old members of the organization.

On Oct. 20, members of the Delta Theta chapter met with aspirants after the death of Donnie Wade the morning prior, to instruct them to deny that any members of the chapter were present at Hempstead High School.

According to the university's hazing policy, the fraternity was in violation. The letter said that the members were sanctioned because of the "misuse of authority by virtue of one's class rank or leadership position and directed aspirants to participate in physical activities that subject students to an unreasonable risk or harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the students."

Finally, the fraternity violated the "cease and desist" directive issued by the university verbally on Oct. 20 and written Oct. 21 by participating in the Greek Show at Texas A&M University on Nov. 14, 2009.

Denise Simmons, assistant director of student activities and leadership, said she was notified that Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., had participated in the step show. TAMU's Greek life director later confirmed the organization's participation.

The chapter's sanction suspends it until fall 2013 and will be placed on probation through May 2014.

Members cannot represent the organization in any way on or off campus. The sanction reads that "all rights and privileges extended to a recognized student organization on the campus of Prairie View A&M University have been forfeited and that current members of the chapter are not in good standing with the Office of Student Activities and Leadership."

The chapter may petition the university for recognition and appeal to the associate vice president of student affairs.

According to the Student Code of Conduct, subsequent violations are subject to major disciplinary action.

Members of the organization are not permitted to wear their letters and according to Ransom, whether they will have to clean off their trees is "something that will be evaluated and reviewed."

Hughes added that due to the organization only being suspended, the board is taking into consideration the history of the tree and that they are scheduled to return with the same charter.