Southern University has suspended and ordered the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to stop activities on campus as the chapter faces allegations of hazing. Chancellor John Pierre told WBRZ that the fraternity has received a cease-and-desist letter as the student affairs office investigates the case.
“This is a very serious precaution,” Pierre told WBRZ. “We take these kinds of things very seriously. Allegations of hazing will not be tolerated at Southern University.”
What did Southern University say in the letter issued to the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha?
According to WBRZ, Southern University specifically stated the restrictions against the chapter. Per the cease-and-desist letter, the chapter is prohibited from meeting as an organization, wearing fraternity insignia, using campus space and participating in events on or off campus.
“Any actions that are taken to intentionally impede the investigation will jeopardize the status of the chapter,” the school stated in its notice, which is also sent to the fraternity’s national leaders.
The school, however, has not stated the specific details of the hazing allegations, WAFB reported.
What happened to the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi at Southern University?
Earlier this year, Southern University expelled another chapter, the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., from campus after a hazing incident that led to the death of 20-year-old student Caleb Wilson. Witnesses told police Wilson and eight other pledges were hazed when they went for a meeting, WFAA reported. Witnesses said the pledges were forced to change into gray sweatsuits and stand in line before they were repeatedly punched with boxing gloves by multiple people.
A 23-year-old student named Caleb McCray, who was allegedly among the people who punched the pledges, was charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter for Wilson’s death, per WFAA.
According to the affidavit, McCray punched Wilson four times in the chest, causing him to collapse and become unresponsive. The affidavit added that Wilson appeared to have a seizure and urinate on himself as he collapsed.