June 19, 2013
Kevin Naud, President
Gamma-Xi Chapter, Denison University
Kappa Sigma Fraternity
RE: Decision regarding the Gamma-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Dear Kevin:
Thank you for meeting with me on May 8, 2013 to discuss the matter reported on February 25, 2013 9:00 AM regarding allegations of hazing behavior by members of the Gamma-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. The allegations stemmed from a detailed, written list of hazing-related behaviors and activities that was confiscated from a Chapter member. After receipt of the initial report from Security, the University alleged the Chapter violated the Code of Student Conduct and placed the Chapter on suspension pending completion of an investigation. As part of the response, your national headquarters conducted a membership review of the Chapter in April 2013 and a letter concerning the investigation was provided to the University on April 29, 2013. You and I met so that your Chapter could have its opportunity to be heard regarding the allegations before the University made its decision about the case. At that meeting, I informed you of my intention to talk directly with with Matt Koester, who produced the list, as well as the two additional members we discussed whose text messages came to the attention of the University in March 2013; the text messages were of concern because of their connection to alleged hazing behavior, although texts were believed to have been exchanged in Fall 2012.
After talking with Student K and the other two Chapter members, I made the following findings:
Some of the items from Koester’s list, specifically the carrying of items like a red or green bandana, green army man, a match box, notebook and green apple were consistent with the agenda written for “Night 1” in his notes. Those notes also highlight that the bandana should be showing at all times. That agenda also noted that pledges had to arrive at a residence hall by a certain hour with a pillow and that they should not allow anyone to see them arrive. Sleepovers were also consistent with his list. In the agenda, there is also a note that appears to reference “drinking w/ PC’s,” which I interpreted to mean “Pledge Class.” While the items in the agenda are provocative, there is no evidence to confirm if pledges, in fact, were required to engage in these behaviors.
Student K reported his list was a compilation of ideas derived from a variety of conversations and that he made the list because he was excited about the new pledge class and thought it might “be cool do some of this stuff.” He indicated he compiled the list on the day Chapter members learned about the new pledge class and that he did not look at the notes from that point forward.
The text messages received by the University were from Fall 2012 and referenced the member, who was then a pledge, having to eat onions during the education process. The member indicated that such a practice had occurred and that recent allegations against the Chapter have prompted the membership to discuss individual and collective behavior and the need for the Chapter to adhere to its rules concerning new member education.
Despite suggestive evidence, I found it was insufficient to support that the Chapter is responsible for violation of the Code of Student Conduct related to hazing, and agree with your Supreme Executive Committee who also determined that no violation occurred at that the Chapter level. Although I am not holding the Chapter responsible for this charge, I also wish to convey my concern that there is some evidence to support that individual members are more likely than not engaging in hazing-related behavior, which will be detrimental to the Chapter if left unaddressed.
The University has a commitment to end hazing behavior in our community, in all its forms and across all student organizations. While I am relieved the Gamma-Xi Chapter is not responsible in this case, I am concerned about any evidence which suggests that even a single member may be engaging in hazing behavior, or even contemplating doing so. We need both Kappa Sigma and its Gamma-Xi Chapter to acknowledge that hazing behavior of any kind, regardless of its degree, is in opposition to Denison’s values and will not be tolerated. The University expects all of its student organizations to add value to the community. Where organizations fail to do this or where their behavior has a negative impact, they are likely to be suspended or dissolved. It is my strong belief that when chapter members of any organization lack understanding of their Ritual, they are likely to make up rites of passage, sometime in ways they believe to be well-intended and reflective of the larger organization. We know hazing fails to do this and, worse, perpetuates further hazing behavior. If left unchecked, such behavior is likely to result in tragedy. Denison will not wait for this to happen.
Although your Chapter is not responsible for a hazing violation, it is clear from the Committee’s sanctions that your national organization is nonetheless concerned about significant shortcomings it discovered. We want the Chapter to be the strongest version of itself. To that extent, we agree with and support the actions of your Supreme Executive Committee outlined in the April 29th, 2013 letter, and intend to hold the Gamma-Xi Chapter accountable to those expectations. Any violation of the Committee’s expectations or failure of the Chapter to meet deadlines regarding programming will result in our communication with your national headquarters and our placing the Chapter, minimally, on Disciplinary Probation, not in good standing.
In an effort to hold you accountable to the Committee’s sanctions and to foster a strong relationship between CLIC, the Office of Student Conduct & Campus Values, and the Gamma-Xi Chapter, and to support your successful compliance with the Committee’s expectations, I am requiring that Chapter executive officers arrange and comply with regular bi-weekly meetings with Aimee Maczko, Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss the Chapter’s progress toward meeting the sanctions and to advise the Chapter through that process. At his discretion, Greg Phlegar, may also participate. Ms. Maczko and Dean Phlegar may also invite Chapter representatives, as needed. The first meeting should occur during the first week of the Fall 2013 semester.
Although this letter is good news, I hope my concerns about individual member behavior will serve as a strong call to action by the Gamma-Xi Chapter. There is always work that can and should be done toward becoming the best version of yourselves. In closing, I am struck by Kappa Sigma’s mission statement, which calls upon the Fraternity to “complement and enhance the educational mission of the host institution.” It is meaningful that beyond the ideal of Brotherhood, your Fraternity’s mission shares values that are also rooted in Denison’s own mission and in our community’s Campus Compact. I have every faith that the young men of the Gamma-Xi Chapter will rise to these ideals. They are right and good.
Respectfully,
Greg Phlegar
Associate Dean of Students and Director