Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit Filed Against Alpha Kappa Alpha

Senusret I · #1 10-07-2005, 04:52 PM

There are two sides to every story. In this story, the accused hazers strike back -- hard.

Two Howard Alumni filed a $10 million lawsuit against Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in US District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday, charging that the AKAs made false allegations of hazing against them.

Joie Jolevare and Salome Tinker, both members of the sorority, claim in their lawsuit that they were unjustly suspended from the organization after assisting members of Alpha chapter in a practice in March 2005 for the group's post initiation ceremony.

The two women allege that AKA Regional Director, Joy Elaine Daley stopped the sorority's authorized practice, and began an investigation into the event on the grounds that it constituted hazing because it was held outside.

In the lawsuit Jolevare and Tinker claim that contrary to regulations outlined in the AKA Constitution, they were never informed of the allegations made against them and they were suspended without any evidence that they participated in hazing.

More:

http://www.thehilltoponline.com/medi...ml?mkey=579017

TheEpitome1920 · #2 10-07-2005, 05:01 PM

Have there been other instances where members have sued their organizations??

KSUViolet06 · #3 10-07-2005, 07:00 PM

Are they suing to be reinstated as well, or do they just want the $10 million?

DeltAlum · #4 10-08-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920

Have there been other instances where members have sued their organizations??

I've heard of a number of actions brought by alleged victims of hazing -- but this is the first time I recall something like this.

Tom Earp · #5 10-09-2005, 05:34 PM

While The Hand Book Says "NO", doesnt it or cannot it happen?

But a Law Suit of This Magnatuide can and will Bankrupt a Well Known and Respected Greek Organization?

Never to say this did not happen would be wrong for any of us to say.

Maybe, Just Maybe, there was a reason behind this.

True Sisters, it just makes one wonder.

33girl · #6 10-09-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920

Have there been other instances where members have sued their organizations??

Yes. There was a case loooooooong ago (like the 1910's - 20's) where members of an NPC sued their org for what they said was an unjust removal of their charter.

sigmadiva · #7 10-09-2005, 10:21 PM

I learned this past weekend at my Region's Area IV meeting that hazing can occur after being initiated. I did not realize that. Something as simple as the group needing to buy the same t-shirt can be seen as hazing because there may be one or two members who may not be able to afford or like the t-shirt, so they are being put under pressure to conform with the group, i.e. they are being hazed.

I don't know what was specifically done in this case, but all it takes is one person to say 'Hey, this action is making me uncomfortable. I am going to complain.'

DeltAlum · #8 10-09-2005, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sigmadiva
...all it takes is one person to say 'Hey, this action is making me uncomfortable. I am going to complain.'

Pretty close.

tunatartare · #9 10-09-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JocelynC
Are they suing to be reinstated as well, or do they just want the $10 million?

According to the article, they are still both members of AKA.

Boom_Quack13 · #10 10-09-2005, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sigmadiva
I learned this past weekend at my Region's Area IV meeting that hazing can occur after being initiated. I did not realize that. Something as simple as the group needing to buy the same t-shirt can be seen as hazing because there may be one or two members who may not be able to afford or like the t-shirt, so they are being put under pressure to conform with the group, i.e. they are being hazed.

I don't know what was specifically done in this case, but all it takes is one person to say 'Hey, this action is making me uncomfortable. I am going to complain.'

And that really upsets me. The definition for hazing is so broad and includes so many behaviors that make our organization unique.

If the one or two can't afford the t-shirts, then they just don't buy them. OR the rest of the sorors chip in to get their shirts, which is how we roll.

33girl · #11 10-10-2005, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sigmadiva
I learned this past weekend at my Region's Area IV meeting that hazing can occur after being initiated. I did not realize that. Something as simple as the group needing to buy the same t-shirt can be seen as hazing because there may be one or two members who may not be able to afford or like the t-shirt, so they are being put under pressure to conform with the group, i.e. they are being hazed.

Well if that's the case, then there is a hell of a lot of hazing going on during NPC rush.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=58562

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=36705

If it's gotten to the point where we actually believe things like that are hazing and would act on them, we might as well all fold up our tents and disband our GLOs now, because you cannot make everyone happy all the time. If little things like that make you that upset, you shouldn't be Greek - or in any other group where you can't make every single one of your own decisions for that matter.

hoosier · #12 10-10-2005, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sigmadiva
I learned this past weekend at my Region's Area IV meeting that hazing can occur after being initiated. I did not realize that. Something as simple as the group needing to buy the same t-shirt can be seen as hazing because there may be one or two members who may not be able to afford or like the t-shirt, so they are being put under pressure to conform with the group, i.e. they are being hazed.

I don't know what was specifically done in this case, but all it takes is one person to say 'Hey, this action is making me uncomfortable. I am going to complain.'

This is PC run amuck.

Show me the first chapter that has been disciplined or punished for any such thing?

Is making someone pay their dues, as every other member does, hazing (would that make them feel bad?)

sigmadiva · #13 10-10-2005, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 33girl
Well if that's the case, then there is a hell of a lot of hazing going on during NPC rush.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=58562

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=36705

If it's gotten to the point where we actually believe things like that are hazing and would act on them, we might as well all fold up our tents and disband our GLOs now, because you cannot make everyone happy all the time. If little things like that make you that upset, you shouldn't be Greek - or in any other group where you can't make every single one of your own decisions for that matter.

I agree with you. I agree with all of you.

People have become so lawsuit happy, that GLOs have to really protect themselves, therefore the broad definition of hazing. I am sure that there is hazing in all types of organizations - the intermural soccer team, the ski club, the senior honor society, but for GLOs, since we aspire to be better people and better to those around us (read many of our creeds and open motto's), society is holding our feet to the fire. The moment one of us slips, then the public can say 'See, I knew those greeks were only about partying and breaking the rules, what good are they?' We, GLOs, are being held to a higher standard. When we fall, we fall hard.

bluecattitude19 · #14 10-11-2005, 09:19 AM

I just want to see how this all plays out...I mean, how will other Greek organizations protect themselves, especially BGLO's...this kind of stuff can bankrupt a group if they are small enough....

Tom Earp · #15 10-11-2005, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bluecattitude19
I just want to see how this all plays out...I mean, how will other Greek organizations protect themselves, especially BGLO's...this kind of stuff can bankrupt a group if they are small enough....

Your Point is Well taken by Members of GC and I wish We had a True Answer and How to prevent it

It does take a Long Term phylosophy to change this around by either Busting Chapters to a Point or let it continue.

I dont know of any GLOs who do not State an Anti Hazing Program.

It actually seems in many cases that Flag Ship Schools are given LeeWay over smaller Schools and Chapters.

But, a case in point, LXA is not at All Major Schools as Most GLOs arent at for many reasons.