University students could be expelled for hazing
Published 3:01 pm Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The six Troy University fraternity members accused of tying a pledge to a tree and throwing eggs, milk and other items at him could face expulsion, according to the university.
The Dean of Student Services and the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity have concluding their review of a hazing incident that reportedly happened off campus on Sept. 9.
According to a statement from the university, three of the six members of Pi Kappa Phi involved in the incident have been expelled from the fraternity. The other three were placed on suspension from the fraternity.
Besides the actions taken regarding the students involved, the Troy University chapter of Pi Kappa Phi must complete a corrective action plan by mid-October. The Gamma Gamma chapter has also been placed on probation for the remainder of the academic year.
“Probation means that no other infractions of the standards of conduct, policies or rules will be tolerated,” the university said. “An organization placed on probation would face further sanctions by the university, up to and including indefinite suspension.”
The six Troy University students involved in the hazing incident will now face a student conduct board individually to determine disciplinary actions from the school.
According to the university, the Federal Education Right to Privacy Act prevents the school from disclosing details regarding the students’ individual disciplinary actions.
The hazing incident took place about three miles from campus, according to Troy Police Chief John McCall. Troy Police gave the pledge a ride back to his fraternity house after receiving calls about a young man walking near Shellhorn Road. The incident was not reported to officers at that time.
Later, McCall said officers found rope, eggshells, milk and what appeared to be tobacco spit at the scene.
The Pi Kappa Phi pledge has not pressed charges, so no criminal charges are pending against the six students, according to McCall.