Ohio State's Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. suspended until fall 2016
Published: Thursday, January 17, 2013
Updated: Friday, January 18, 2013 09:01
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Delta Sigma Theta’s chapter at Ohio State has been suspended until at least Fall Semester of 2016 for violating the Code of Student Conduct .
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. sisters nationwide celebrated the centennial anniversary of their sisterhood’s existence that began at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
However, members of the Epsilon chapter at Ohio State might have experienced a gloomier day, as their chapter was recently suspended on alleged violations of hazing.
“Delta Sigma Theta’s chapter at The Ohio State University has been suspended until at least Fall Semester of 2016. The Ohio State University Code of Student Conduct prohibits hazing, and there are consequences for violating those rules,” said Dave Isaacs, Student Life spokesman, in a Monday email to The Lantern.
The Lantern also contacted Sharrell L. Hassell-Goodman, assistant director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, and Antonio-Phillip Lytle, coordinator of Greek Affairs in the Ohio Union, however both redirected questions to Isaacs.
Delta Sigma Theta is an international organization overseen by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) based out of Atlanta, Ga.
In Article III of NPHC’s OSU constitution and bylaws, it states that keeping membership in the organization includes “being in good standing with the University as indicated in the OSU Student Conduct and the Greek Life Task Force.”
Delta Sigma Theta also has a detailed anti-hazing policy on its website, which states, “All acts of hazing or harassment, both physical and mental, shall be expressly prohibited.”
Representatives of Delta Sigma Theta’s Midwest region referred The Lantern to the National Headquarters for any comments on the probation.
“Unfortunately, we cannot share any information regarding the chapter’s disciplinary action,” said Deirdre Shoulars, membership director, in an email.
Neither the president of Delta Sigma Theta’s Epsilon chapter nor the executive director responded for comment. Four other members also did not respond for comment.
Other students involved in Greek life at OSU said they are opposed to hazing and do not like the stigma it gives their organizations.
“I have a negative view of hazing,” said Joshua Glocer, a fourth-year in political science and member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. “And that goes for the university as well because then it is endangering students. They don’t want to endanger students, they want to continue to promote Greek life in the most positive light possible because of all the benefits that it has to the school.”
The Delta Sigma Theta, Epsilon chapter will stay on suspension until at least Fall Semester 2016. The process of returning to campus will not be an easy one. Isaacs told The Lantern that its national organization will have to petition to the Student Life’s Department of Student Conduct and the Ohio Union’s Sorority and Fraternity Life.
“The petition must include a comprehensive plan for member recruitment and introduction into the sorority (i.e. new member period.) Student Conduct and Sorority and Fraternity Life representatives will evaluate the petition to determine if it is satisfactory and sufficiently addresses concerns,” Isaacs said in the email. “Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. may seek assistance from Student Conduct and Sorority and Fraternity Life in developing such a plan.”
24 comments
The Lantern didn't report all the "service, blah, blah, blah, since 1919" because that's what you're expected to do just like every other greek organization. But instead you GOT CAUGHT HAZING and will not exist at OSU until 2016+. I'd say that's more newsworthy than whatever you're talking about.
is a member of the 
