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http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/l...270913981.html
A fraternity and two sororities have been banned from the University of Connecticut amid hazing allegations and student code violations, according to a spokesperson for the university.
It comes just months after two other Greek organizations were removed from campus for similar allegations, bringing the number of recently banned fraternities and sororities to five.
The state university notified the Sigma Chi fraternity and sororities Delta Gamma and Delta Zeta on Monday that "they will lose their chapter registrations, recognition and on-campus housing at UConn as a result of hazing and other behaviors" that violated UConn's Student Code, according to spokesperson Stephanie Reitz.
A school investigation found Sigma Chi and Delta Gamma responsible for three student code violations in connection with a Feb. 28 incident. Letters sent to both organizations say men affiliated with Sigma Chi where forced to bob for "nips" in a toilet and eat cat food. Some were also allegedly struck with wooden paddles.
The allegations against Delta Zeta came to light shortly thereafter. Members were accused of feeding dog treats to fraternity men and forcing them to drink and paint their bodies, according to a letter from the UConn associate director of community standards sent to the chapter.
"UConn takes a zero-tolerance approach to hazing and harmful treatment of students by anyone, under any circumstances. Our mission is to provide a first-rate learning environment, and we take this duty really seriously," UConn officials said in a statement obtained Tuesday. "Greek Life has played a vital role in the life of this university for decades and will continue to do so. UConn values the commitment of the many students who promote philanthropy, community service and responsible citizenry through their participation in these groups."
The sanctions are effective immediately, lasting three years for Sigma Chi, two years for Delta Zeta and one year for Delta Gamma, pending appeals.
Delta Zeta and Delta Gamma will be banned from housing in Husky Village from Jan. 1, 2015 through Aug. 15, 2017. Sigma Chi will be banned until Aug. 15, 2018, according to the university.
Students in the banned organizations assigned to housing in Husky Village will be permitted to stay there in the fall and will be reassigned in the spring.
The groups will also be banned from "interest housing" in the Towers residence halls, which places sorority and fraternity members on the same floor.
A spokesperson for the national Delta Gamma Fraternity says the UConn chapter plans to appeal the university's ruling. All three organizations can submit appeals by the end of the day Friday.
"Delta Gamma Fraternity values the heritage of our Epsilon Pi chapter, but knows there must be a desire and commitment from our current collegians to promote and live by the values of our Fraternity," said Delta Gamma national president Stacia Rudge Skook, in a statement Monday. "We believe the current collegiate members in our Epsilon Pi chapter understand Delta Gamma Fraternity's values and are ready and willing to lead the change. Our members do not condone this behavior and are sorrowed that the actions of a few have impacted so many."
Delta Zeta also released a statement in response to the decision, which reads, in part: "The Sorority fosters the respect and worth of self and of others, and does not condone hazing. Delta Zeta is committed to its eradication. Delta Zeta Sorority members are expected to conduct themselves in alignment with the Sorority values that exemplify integrity, good citizenship and leadership."
It's not clear if Delta Zeta or Sigma Chi plan to appeal the ruling. (
According to ABC: "Delta Gamma said it's appealing. The sorority says it alerted administrators to the hazing and says it's inconsistent with its values.")
The university's actions come just months after sanctioning Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Kappa Kappa Gamma.
UConn will have 2,300 students participating in 34 recognized fraternities and sororities at the start of the school year in the fall, including the three recently sanctioned.
Two additional Greek organizations are colonizing at UConn as well, including Sigma Phi Epsilon, a fraternity that lost its recognition in 2008, and new sorority, Alpha Chi Omega.