Cal Poly sorority under investigation for hazing allegations

Posted: Feb 21, 2013 5:37 PM by Keli Moore, KSBY News
Updated: Mar 13, 2013 9:27 AM

A cultural sorority at Cal Poly is under investigation for hazing allegations, according to reports.

Chi Delta Theta has to suspend all of its activities until the investigation is over, according to Cal Poly's Dean of Students.

"An anonymous tip came forward and now we say, okay we want to take a look at this," said Jean DeCosta, the Dean of Students.

She said the university has a zero tolerance policy for hazing, and on average, the university conducts three hazing investigations per year.

So what constitutes "hazing?"

"It's anything where we believe people are asked to do something as a condition to their membership that is against their will," DeCosta explained.

According to Cal Poly's policy that is listed on its website, hazing is "any activity that causes physical or emotional harm, degradation or humiliation during initiation into a student organization." Some examples of hazing listed on Cal Poly's website include: binge drinking, ridicule, and sleep or food deprivation.

DeCosta said the exact allegations against Chi Delta Theta are not being released until the investigation is complete.

"The investigation is being conducted by our Greek Life Coordinator and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities," said DeCosta. "At this time, no one involved in the investigation can speak directly to the allegations."

According to Chi Delta Theta's website, it was established in 1989 as an Asian-American interest sorority. The website states that the sisters of Chi Delta Theta strive to promote sisterhood, academics, community service and cultural awareness.

DeCosta said repercussions for hazing could range from suspension of all activities for a few months or a year. The worst case scenario would be to lose affiliation with the university.

Cal Poly said the investigation should be complete in a week.