May 10, 2003
Star-Telegram
Fort Worth, TX
DENTON - The University of North Texas suspended its chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity on Friday, making it the second Greek organization to be punished for hazing this year.
Alpha Phi Alpha is barred from operating on campus until Feb. 13, when it can apply for reinstatement, said Elizabeth With, UNT's assistant vice president for student development.
Campus investigators found that the fraternity violated parts of the UNT code that addresses physical abuse, verbal abuse, coercion, hazing and conduct that threatens health and safety.
With would say only that the hazing occurred during the spring semester and that no one was injured.
But Tophas Anderson III, the fraternity's southwest regional vice president, said a student attended an orientation meeting when he was not yet a full-fledged member, which counts as hazing. On the way home from the "intake" meeting, Anderson said, the student fell asleep at the wheel and had a one-car accident.
"Unfortunately, we still have a few chapters who refuse to obey the rules," he said.
With would not confirm that account or offer more details.
Alpha Phi Alpha's suspension
is the fifth at UNT since 2000, when the university began a hazing crackdown.
In February, UNT's Sigma Lambda Beta chapter was suspended for hazing violations
until the end of the
spring semester.
"I don't think it's a chronic problem, but it's obviously a problem we're not going to take lightly," With said. "It involves human nature and humans. Violations are going to creep up every now and then."
Alpha Phi Alpha is the nation's oldest black fraternity. The UNT chapter has 20 members and has been on campus since the early 1970s, With said. It must cease all functions during the suspension.
"They can't have meetings," said Roddy Wolper, UNT spokesman. "They can't do any fund raising. They can't have any organizational structure."
Members must perform at least 50 hours of community service and must participate in UNT's anti-hazing coalition. The coalition is made up of students who visit fraternal organizations to warn against hazing.
Reached at UNT on Friday, Alpha Phi Alpha President Jordan Spradley declined to comment.
Anderson said intake meetings are held so new members can learn the history of the fraternity, practice for step competitions and participate in nonviolent bonding.
"From what we could ascertain," he said, "there was no physical injury to the young men."
In 2001, the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter at Ohio State University was suspended after a similar intake session, at which prospective members were subjected to physical and verbal abuse. Other chapters nationwide have been suspended for hazing violations in recent years.
"We take hazing very seriously,"
With said. "It is around, and when we find it, we're going to do something."
