Staff and wire reports

The University of Florida has suspended its college chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. amidst an allegation of hazing. The Theta Sigma chapter was put on suspension Feb. 4.

"Your name was forwarded to this office by the University Police Department regarding an incident which occurred during your intake process," wrote Jen Day Shaw, Ph.D., associate vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, in a letter to the chapter obtained by the Florida Courier.

"According to the report, your chapter was allegedly involved in hazing...You are not to engage in any organizational activities for any reason without my permission until this matter is resolved." Alpha Phi Alpha’s district director also ordered the chapter to stop all activities.

Under investigation

The hazing allegation was reported Feb. 4 and may have occurred between April 23, 2010 and Jan. 31, 2011. The University of Florida Police Department is currently investigating the matter.

Janine Sikes, UF’s director of Public Affairs and University Relations, said that the details of the allegation will not be made public until the university’s police department completes its investigation.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity members can then appear at an informational meeting with the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, where they will have the opportunity to review the information that was received and discuss their rights, responsibilities, and resolution options regarding the matter, the letter said.

Informed UF students

In a Feb. 7 letter to students, UF President Bernie Machen expressed his concern about hazing on the Gator campus.

"As president of the University of Florida, one of my most important responsibilities is to maintain a safe and supportive university environment," Machen wrote. "So it is with great concern that I write to you today regarding what we believe was a recent and serious physical hazing incident off-campus by a UF fraternity."

Machen said confirmed charges of hazing will be met with repercussions.

"Hazing is specifically prohibited by UF regulations, and it is also classified as a crime in Florida," Machen said. "We cannot tolerate hazing on our campus or in our university community, and anyone found responsible will face the gravest possible consequences, including expulsion and criminal penalties."

This latest allegation of hazing at a Florida university comes in the wake of the hazing-related death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion, the subsequent criminal and civil investigations, and a national effort headed by the Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr., president of the National Save the Family Now Movement headquartered in Tallahassee, about how to reduce or eliminate hazing.