Fraternity faces hazing allegations

The Sigma Pi fraternity is currently facing hazing allegations after a report was filed at the Keene Police Department. 

  According to the dictionary, ‘hazing’ constitutes ridiculing newcomers, such as members of a pledge class or new freshmen students.

According to KSC Liason Officer John Stewart, a student confronted him after overhearing a conversation in the Zorn Dining Commons.

“It rose to a level that was enough for the student to make a comment,” Stewart said.
After this allegation, Stewart said he gathered statements from each member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and presented the findings to the school.

“It was serious as far as they were in violation of the colleges code of conduct but no one was injured or hurt,” Stewart said.

The Keene State College Student Handbook states KSC unconditionally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. 

As of January 1, 1994, hazing became illegal in the state of New Hampshire. Because of hazing’s illegal status  in New Hampshire and at KSC, the issue cannot be ignored.
According to Coordinator of Student Activities Jennifer Ferrell, after the report was filed, Ferrell and Vice President of Student Affairs Andrew Robinson determined there were not enough grounds for criminal charges.

However, there were certain items they wanted to share with the college.
“The initial response was sending a letter to the Sigma Pi leadership and based upon information they’re on probation status until the end of fall semester,” Ferrell said.
According to Ferrell, probation means Sigma Pi can’t take part in any Greek Life sponsored events such as Greek Week or host any socials.

“They don’t have the same privileges as other student organizations and can’t hold any executive board positions in leadership of IFC (Interfraternal Council),” Ferrell said.
Ferrell said the fraternity requested to have a formal hearing, which took place on Friday, April 23 with Dispute Resolution Coordinator Mark Schmidl-Gagne.

Ferrell said the request was made to ensure everyone received proper representation. She said it’s not fair to drag out these processes.

“We tried to be timely and keep good contact,” Ferrell said.

Regardless of the hearing results, the fraternity is still considered to be on disciplinary probation with the possibility of “additional sanctions,” according to Ferrell.

Ferrell said she considers the college liaison officer John Stewart to be someone who works well with students and the college.

“He gets it; he’s not looking to give people a hard time,” Ferrell said. “He’s an actual link between what’s going on out there and here.”

Although some may think hazing might be a preconceived thought when in relation to Greek Life, Ferrell said this is the first hazing allegation in a couple years.
“They had a pledge class and stopped when we first found out about the hazing allegations,” Ferrell said. “They got a letter to stop the pledging process immediately.”
Schmidl-Gagne and President of Sigma Pi John Brunelle could not be reached for comment.

Ferrell said her and Stewart may reconvene over the summer to discuss the issue at further length.

Justine Miller can be contacted at jmiller@keeneequinox.com