Cal Poly Pomona has sanctioned a sorority that was found to have hazed potential members earlier this academic year.
The Office of Judicial Affairs has determined that Delta Sigma Theta engaged in hazing activities that included sleep deprivation, corporal punishment and the unauthorized collection of dues from individuals who were not yet members of the organization.
Delta Sigma Theta has been suspended through the end of 2015, and its return to campus will depend on the behavior of its members during suspension and whether it has met specific conditions, such as the successful completion of educational workshops on hazing, says Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Freer.
“The university has zero tolerance for these behaviors and our actions today reflect that,” Freer says. “Greek organizations are a valuable part of student life at Cal Poly Pomona, but when they choose to haze, the damage they cause is significant to the victims, to themselves, and to the reputation of the Greek system. We continue to hold sororities and fraternities to the highest standards and make it clear that hazing is not acceptable under any circumstance.”
While the sorority is under suspension, its members may not sponsor campus events, hold group meetings, or use items bearing the sorority’s trademarks, symbols or name.
If Delta Sigma Theta is permitted to return to campus, it will be prohibited from recruiting new members for two years following its suspension. The soonest the recruitment ban could end is Dec. 31, 2017. The sorority will also be placed on probation for three years following the recruitment ban, and the probation period will end no earlier than Dec. 31, 2020.
Twelve students are going through the disciplinary process and are facing disciplinary action that could include case dismissal, warnings, probation, or suspension.