Purdue suspends Delta Sigma Theta for hazing

WEST LAFAYETTE -- Purdue has withdrawn recognition of Delta Sigma Theta sorority for hazing new members, university officials said.\n"Due to the severity and blatancy of university violations, we had no other choice," Tamara Rice, Purdue's assistant dean of students, said Tuesday.\nWithdrawal of recognition means the sorority no longer exists as a student organization affiliated with Purdue for at least one year, said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students. The sorority can appeal the decision to the Campus Appeals Board no later than April 29.\nMalavenda said an investigation and hearing on allegations of hazing concluded that active sorority members hazed incoming members from Jan. 30 to March 5.\nAmong the complaints, the pledges were forced to transport active members to class and run personal errands, purchase excessive food and various personal items at their own expense for active members, clean the Delta Sigma Theta house on demand, and greet current members in a prescribed manner.\nPurdue officials said the pledges also had to endure intense physical exercises and eat a concoction of food items.\nThe sorority may apply for reactivation after May 1, 2003.