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Witt fraternity closed after hazing

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By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer 7:06 PM Friday, April 10, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Hazing incidents at Wittenberg University have resulted in the closing of a fraternity and sanctions levied against a sorority.

National representatives of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity closed the chapter on March 23 after it determined “serious hazing incidents that put our students at risk both mentally and physically,” said Sarah Kelly, Wittenberg’s vice president of student development and dean of students. The chapter has 23 members, eight of whom will graduate next month. It will remain closed until the fall of 2012, giving the chapter a chance to “recolonize” and gather a strong alumni, Kelly said.

The week prior, national representatives of the Chi Omega sorority joined the university in levying sanctions against its local chapter due to hazing.

The chapter was re-organized and will remain active, said Casey Stevens, Wittenberg’s director of Greek life.

“We feel (the sorority’s strong alumni base) will be able to intervene in this situation and they will continue to be consistent leaders on our campus,” Stevens said. The sorority has more than 80 members.

In both cases, individuals reported the incidents directly to the national chapters, which worked with the university in the investigation.

“We think its extremely disappointing that the actions of the men involved in this have ruined a decades-long tradition we have had with Wittenberg University,” said Scott Wylie, executive director of the Delta Sigma Phi national chapter. “We are hoping to have the opportunity to return (to Wittenberg).” Stevens has been working with the chapters since she took over Greek life 10 months ago, asking them to revisit their values and hold each other accountable to how they represent the university, Kelly said.

“These incidents serve as a wake-up call to our fraternities and sororities and provide an opportunity for us to have broader campus conversations about having and the way it undermines the very fabric of the Wittenberg community,” Kelly said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

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Funny how life goes.

Michael Walker
10:58 PM, 7/14/2010

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Hazing has been happening at Wittenberg since the university was founded. In fact, it use to be far more brutal compared to anything occurring today.

With that said, a history of hazing at Wittenberg does NOT make it right.

But relax. The reputation of the college relies more so on how alumni serve their communities, families, etc after they graduate.

Hazing will continue to happen so long as students enroll in higher education. It's part of the culture, and a good one at that.

Witt alum '04
5:00 PM, 9/2/2009

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Dear townies,

You have absolutely no idea what it is to be greek. Many of the accusations made in this article are absolutely untrue and unfounded. Also, many of those "objects" you see brothers wearing on their clothing represent a different secret society they enjoy. Also, townie who states " if they would have known my profession they would not have been bragging" please realize that 22 of my friends and I would love to prove you wrong.

Matt
10:22 PM, 4/13/2009

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hazing builds character.

witt alum '82
10:21 PM, 4/13/2009

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All this has done is open the door to wild accusations of out of control partying and drug abuse on campus. The vast majority of parties on campus are inherently safe, not to mention completely legal, and the university does a solid job of handling disciplinary issues. I hope those responsible for these malicious acts are proud of the harm they have done to the reputation of the university.

Jack
11:42 PM, 4/11/2009

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