Pitt suspends Delta Zeta sorority over hazing allegations
The University of Pittsburgh has suspended the Delta Zeta sorority after reports of hazing new members came to light, according to a university spokesman.
The sorority was placed on interim suspension effective Feb. 11, meaning it must “cease all organizational operations until further notice,” spokesman Kevin Zwick said.
He said the university is investigating the allegations. He did not specify their nature.
According to the university’s annual report, there were seven allegations of hazing at seven organizations between Sept. 1 and Oct. 29. None involved Delta Zeta. Only three investigations found evidence sufficient enough to levy sanctions.
Despite the sanctions, six of the seven investigations found “insufficient information to support a hazing violation.” One investigation is ongoing, according to the report.
The university includes five years’ worth of hazing reports online.
An investigation into a February 2016 hazing allegation against Delta Zeta — “members required new members to possess alcohol” — found the sorority had not violated university policies.
A representative from the sorority could not immediately be reached.
A bill signed into law in Pennsylvania in late 2018 upped the criminal penalties that can be imposed on Greek organizations where hazing occurs. It also expanded the definition of hazing to include, among other things, forcing others to consume food, liquids, alcohol or drugs or to endure physical brutality.
The anti-hazing law was named for 19-year-old Tim Piazza, who died at a pledging event at a Penn State fraternity in 2017.
A previously scheduled anti-hazing event is set for Monday at Pitt. “Turning Tragedy into Progress” features Piazza’s mother, Evelyn, and Rae Ann Gruver, whose son Max died after a pledge event at a Louisiana State University fraternity.
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