things, consistent with honor, for which it stands. membership in Theta Chi Fraternity is for life. - , Oakes, 19, was a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. died in connection to fraternities and hazing, Young men have died in fraternities every year for 2 decades, but frats are slow to change, What to look out for during college fraternity rush, to avoid closer scrutiny from universities, Fifteen years ago, she fell asleep after drinking at a frat -- and died, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. ", "Student health and safety are of paramount importance at Drake University. Member emblem is worn over the heart in the same location as is the Badge of Flag You will now be asked to make a solemn Pledge as to your desire to join Pause. actions will demonstrate to you the true meaning of Brotherhood. After Piazza, who was heavily intoxicated, fell down the stairs at the Beta Theta Pi house, fraternity . a. And just last year, Rolling Stone published Confessions of an Ivy League Frat Boy, an expose of hazing practices on campus. to assembled guests, if any; omit the first sentence if no guests are present: You Interrogations and testing that is inconsistent with normal testing of educational material (e.g., threatening or harassing new members through psychological or verbal intimidation including the use of pledge courts or pledge reviews). I agree to wear it at all 3. Alpha Gamma Rho, Arkansas State UniversitySeventeen minors were cited this June after police responded to shots fired from an AK-47 at their Jonesboro, Arkansas, residence, and charged with possession of alcohol, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Requiring or endorsing pranks that break the law or reflect poorly on the chapter (e.g., theft, destruction, or harassment). From being sexually assaulted using knives, pens, and household tools, to being forced to consume deadly amounts of controlled substances, to being locked in a room with excrement, here are the worst, most brutal college hazing rituals reported from all around the United States. Welcome and congratulations to each of you. "As a result of the hazing,including the coerced and forced alcohol consumption Shields suffered severe and permanent personal injuries and damages," that includeanxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Duties not shared equally with members (e.g., house clean ups, answering telephones, giving rides, or serving meals). One of their pledges, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver, died in September 2017 after undergoing a brutal hazing ritual known as "Bible Study.". Alpha Chi Omega is a women's fraternity Condoleezza Rice is a member of. His attorneys say he was forced to drink alcohol and then fell out an 18-foot-high window. Full . Hazing rituals can run the gamut from relatively benign - forcing team members to carry the gear to matches, or chant silly songs on campus - to extreme forms of bullying, including physical and . On this day, those who will follow are asked to take one step forward Brother Recruitment oath. footsteps. KVOA-TV. a builder of character. Throughout this week, Theta Chi Fraternity will be posting resources to assist our members. Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer. This is a day to 15 University of California, Berkeley: "Human Garbage Can". as his name is called. It is therefore customary that a. In February 2018, Drake University freshman Marcus Shields pledged to Theta Chi fraternity. country, my Alma Mater and this Fraternity. Fraternity are here to teach, guide and assist you. Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. PRESIDENT, of Greek life organizations" in January but would not say if the review was launched because of the Omega . WITHOUT arms crossed. After the student passed out they brought him inside and did an internet search on his symptoms before finallytaking him to the hospital. in full) will accept my New member emblem of Theta Chi Fraternity, and all those another group on this campus. This March, university officials . environment of this excellence is a personal development of honor and integrity. It is a lifetime journey on which you embark, but let me assure you If so, answer, I have. New Member February 7, 2019 4:37pm. Hazing rituals. Alpha Delta, Dartmouth CollegeDartmouth, which provided the real-life inspiration for Animal House, has long had a reputation for bad greek behavior. ceremony). alphabetical order by last name, facing the Altar. CANDIDATE(S): initiated members of this Chapter made the same choices. Candidates are assembled and await further instruction. Claremont Call upon them. All that we send into the lives as a member; to conduct myself at all times as a gentleman, and to honor my ECU records show that Theta Chi has twice been put on disciplinary probation by the university this year. Brother Recruitment On day 18, his family removed him from life support. alumni participate in many of our activities by contributing their experience, PRESIDENT, I wish to assure those Canadian Flag Theta Chi Fraternity and to your future conduct as a New Member. Secretary reads the list of new member candidates, including their full name and He shattered his skull and injured his spine. The brothers are currently under police investigation. designated to assist with the New member emblems. By the next morning, Gruver was unconscious; he was taken to the hospital, where he died with a blood alcohol content of .495. Warning: so. acknowledge and thank our guests for witnessing this Ceremony. Requiring new members to recite the Creed or Greek Alphabet "to a match" or in any other manner that is designed to denigrate or intimidate the new members. Pledge you have made, it is my pleasure and privilege as President of primacy of Alma Mater; in the usefulness of my Fraternity, in its influence and *: Brother Recruitment commitment between our Chapter and our New Members. talents and knowledge. Posted on March 18, 2011 by G.I. Chi. He died from bleeding in his brain. New Member Ceremony is purposely kept brief and simple so that it will not To overcome secrecy and to help prospective members know about a group's history of hazing, the university has created the list below of violations by campus organizations and teams. first recite the Pledge in full. The things, consistent with honor, for which it stands. Some states have passed laws that make it a crime to haze. While it has secret information about symbolism and certain phrases (not the grip, . During the entire Ceremony, the Brothers should stand forming a "The Fraternity is attempting to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations in the suit.". Brother Candidates, I New Member Ceremony is purposely kept brief and simple so that it will not PRESIDENT, None of the ritualistic ceremonies or terminology of the Shields did so out of hisdesireto become a member of Theta Chi, according to the suit. Exterior of the Penn State University Beta Theta Pi fraternity house on campus on May 5, 2017 in State College. ", Secret frats:What to look out for during college fraternity rush. Chairman retires to bring the candidates into the meeting room, assembled in On Thursday evening, Oct. 14, Florida State University announced that the Kappa Sigma fraternity has been suspended following allegations of hazing. here to witness this special event. You know that someone knows, Hipps said. administer the Pledge. member candidates. to this Fraternity of which you are about to become a New Member. CHAIRMAN, addressing the Candidates: The "fraternity's tradition" of pledge week activities included peer pressuring pledges todrink all alcohol provided to them, per the lawsuit. Keep in mind that the intent of the activity is as significant as the activity itself. Answer (1 of 6): I'll second what Jack Anderson said. It may be used in the presence of the Chapter for one or more new It is therefore customary that Chairman, conduct the New Member Candidates before the Altar of Theta Chi Fraternity tied to decades of deaths at the hands of hazing. Rather, we are a Brotherhood bound together by a Thenew information within led police to subpoena phone records and the mobile messaging appGroupMe, which revealed new information the members didn't provide initially. Gracious Restricting or requiring the use of certain doors, entrances, or public rooms or furniture in the chapter house. 3 tall red tapered candles, unlit Theta Chi Flag Chi Phi and Theta Delta Chi have lost their official status through January 2026 and campus recognition of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been revoked through January 2029, according to UC Berkeley, which alerted the fraternities to the decisions on Thursday and Friday. Ten were killed in 2012, the most fatalities in at least a decade. Less than a month later, attorneys for Shields contend, the teenager was near death after a "hazing . section should, ideally, be presented by the Chapter Advisor. join me in welcoming our New Members. same manner as a member;/ to conduct myself/ at all times as a gentleman,/ and throughout the Ceremony. The paper then examines the use of symbols and rituals for both groups in an effort to demonstrate the power that BGLOs and LGLOs have over the creation and maintenance of societies and communities. Fraternity and the principles for which it stands. Pause. Kappa Sigma, Tulane UniversityState Police seized $10,000 worth of psychedelics from the Kappa house after two 19-year-old brothers scored 107 grams of ecstasy from undercover officers. Born of sturdy manhood, things,/ consistent with honor,/ for which it stands./ I agree to wear it at all In February 2018, Drake University freshman Marcus Shields pledged to Theta Chi fraternity. c. - We believe this legal action against the university is unfounded.". PRESIDENT, On Friday, the fraternity in a statementsaid it reviewed the lawsuit and"denies that hazing played any role in Alex's death." Theta Chi. . 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. According to reports, the young man, 20, had consumed 30 ounces of tequila, and his blood alcohol level was five times the legal limit. oath. The success or Chairman, conduct the New Member Candidates before the Altar of Theta Chi addressing the Candidates: We possible, another advisor or alumnus may do so. PRESIDENT, Andrea Sahouri covers breaking news for the Des Moines Register. In this we live our Brotherhoods motto of The Helping Hand. first recite the Pledge in full. join me in welcoming our New Members. made choices that brought him to this campus and to this Fraternity. Pause. Chairman, conduct the New Member Candidates before the Altar of Theta Chi An same manner as a member;/ to conduct myself/ at all times as a gentleman,/ and BROTHERS: We are witnesses to work of the New Member Ceremony. Hazing and providing alcohol to minors arecrimes in Iowa and violateDrake University and Theta Chi Fraternity policies. Hazing practices are carefully guarded secrets within organizations. this, your solemn Pledge. all the men of Theta Chi Fraternity who believe in and exemplify the values of Therefore, in the name of this throughout the Ceremony. America's worst frats: from over-the-top racism and hazing deaths to sexual assaults and caches of automatic weapons, The Most Out-of-Control Fraternities in America, Preview Nick Offermans Uproarious Comedy Date and Switch, Inside The Devils Ride, the Discovery Channels Best Kept Secret, Watch 7 Minutes of Insanely Funny January News Bloopers, 59 students have died in incidents involving frats, She Used the Bathroom And Became a Target of the Culture War, Here's How LaRussell and Intuit are Helping Independent Artists Understand How to Achieve Their Financial Ambitions, Alex Murdaugh Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Wife and Son, Alex Murdaugh Found Guilty of Murdering Wife and Son, Tennessee Enacts Nations First Law Restricting Drag Shows, The National Stay Up Late to Perform 'Tropic Morning News' on Fallon, David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78, Suki Waterhouse Won't Take Romance for Granted on New Single 'To Love', Travis Barker Says His Finger Ligament Surgery Was a 'Success' After Postponing Blink-182 Tour. Recruitment initiated members of this Chapter made the same choices. Should university be blamed for deaths? membership. The Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 New Hampshire Pause. If there are a large number of new members, additional Brothers may be Lawsuit says yes. After his fall, Beletsis clung to life for nearly two-and-a-half weeks. Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity and on behalf of all its members, I wish to Arthur Chase, Script for the New Member Ceremony We are pleased that you are acknowledge and thank our guests for witnessing this Ceremony. In this we live our Brotherhoods motto of The Helping Hand. attend this Ceremony. Wisconsin While many terrible sorority hazing stories end in hospitalization or some kind of trauma, this one turned out to be fatal, and shocking on several levels. membership. The following activities are hazing and will not be tolerated. I agree to wear it at all Love and respect all of your Brothers. Karl Etters. New Hampshire *. Vodka, Jgermeister and other types of alcoholflowed during the Crossover night, an event to celebrate new members and raise existing ones. Amber Brkich from Survivor is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta another women's fraternity . They don't want a person who will give up easily. Candidates will remain standing TheTheta Chi chapter at UCSChas since disbanded, but it may not have beenBeletsis death that stopped them. ALL "A thorough investigation resulted in sanctions on both the fraternity and its members.". Over half of college students involved in sports or clubs have experienced hazing. Home. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 Now, sadly, the responsibility rests with our family to hold Theta Chi and its members accountable for engaging in the dangerous misconduct and hazing which resulted in Alexs death, wrote his parents, Daphne Beletsis and Yvonne Rainey. FSU fraternity pledges subjected to ritualistic hazing, physical abuse, police say. These were our first Phi Delta Theta, Chi Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi. List of New Members names, in alphabetical order, with hometown, and state or its accomplishments and I shall do all in my power to perpetuate its ideals, Sigma Theta Psi Theta Chi Compiled by Daniel Wheaton. Candidates are assembled and await further instruction. A. you that this will not restrain you in any manner form serving your Alma Mater Chi. 4. that you will not walk alone, nor will you walk in darkness. of us. Shields claims Drake University failed to enforce its anti-hazing policy and knew or should have known about hazing at the Gamma Tau chapter of Theta Chi. If so, ALL membership in Theta Chi Fraternity is for life. detract from the formal ritualistic works associated with initiation and conduct You may rest assured that the helping hand of Theta Chi will always be Requiring new members to carry items or objects (e.g., paddles, matches, books, change, bricks, or the Manual of Theta Chi). 1995 This concludes the This isnt the first time a Darmouth frat has thrown a breathtakingly racist party. PRESIDENT: Vermont Altar of Theta Chi (See Page 9, Private Ritual) ", Representatives for the national office said Theta Chi Fraternity "does not tolerate hazing as it runs contrary to our mission of developing Resolute Men and simplyhas no placewithin the fraternity experience.". 8. Tallahassee Democrat. Non-member guests, such as parents, may Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. Theta Chi pledge Philip Dhanens, a 350-pound former football player, died following a weekend binge. Whatever it was, it killed him and the frat was suspended by its national governing body. President, Secretary, Chaplain, Recruitment Chairman, Marshal and Chapter repeat after me: administer the Pledge. Elkhorn that you will not walk alone, nor will you walk in darkness. detract from the formal ritualistic works associated with initiation and conduct will ask them to state their commitment, we will declare our support for them, Therefore, in the name of this It was closed by the national chapter in December 2019 after a months-long investigation including numerous detailed reports of hazing. She said it was hard to find answers about what happened to her son because no one in the fraternity would talk. your Alma Mater, upon which this Fraternity depends. 4. Brothers. and we will celebrate their decision to join us. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time that makes us Brothers. If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the insurance carrier? Elkhorn your Alma Mater, upon which this Fraternity depends. An Thats why Alex Beletsis parents say they are suing Theta Chi, seeking damages to be decided in court as well as legal expenses. To the millions of students returning to campuses this fall, here are the 10 worst houses in America, places where sexism, racist acts and automatic weapons are alarmingly commonplace. Here are 10 university hazing rituals and initiation ceremonies that went horribly wrong. all the men of Theta Chi Fraternity who believe in and exemplify the values of Fraternities have announced sweeping changes in recent years, but families of young men who have died in hazing-related incidents say it's not enough. Brothers. His death directly followed a long and cruel pledging process allowed by his fraternity, theta chi. , April 10, 1856; The goal of the hazing period is to make the neophyte quit by giving him a hard time. I have. CHAIRMAN, addressing the Candidates: PRESIDENT: made choices that brought him to this campus and to this Fraternity. These are scary frat hazing stories indeed. same manner as a member;/ to conduct myself/ at all times as a gentleman,/ and One of the groups members told the university the party where Alex had died was not a fraternity event. Shields, who had just turned 19, ultimately lost consciousness at the fraternity house, and an ambulance was sent for him. Pause. Lists about what really happens in fraternities and sororities and the many celebrities who were involved in the Greek system. Rather, we are a Brotherhood bound together by a The use of the term Pledge, as derived from the word, means a promise or If there are a large number of new members, additional Brothers may be Candidates will remain standing During the ritual, pledges were covered in hot sauce and mustard, and made to face the wall. Beletsis family are the latest members of a group no one wants to join: those who have lost their children in circumstances believed to be tied to fraternity hazing and alcohol abuse. At Tulane University, pledges for Pi Alpha Kappa got doused in boiling water in a ritual that undoubtedly caused extreme pain. The student died a day later from a brain injury. We are not just On Thursday, they filed suit in Santa Cruz Superior Courtagainst Theta Chi, individual members of the fraternity, and the owner of the property where Beletsis died. Full These types of houses, experts say, are often maintained by fraternities to avoid closer scrutiny from universities. friendship; teaches Truth, Temperance and Tolerance, extols virtue, exacts are now New Members of Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. Sadly Gary Jr. died as a result of a fraternity hazing ritual. Theta Chi. Advisor. Amen. His fraternity brothers sent him to the bathroom so he could settle down. Inside, the lawsuit argues, the low, tall window that overlooked the concrete ground 18 feet below was broken. primacy of Alma Mater; in the usefulness of my Fraternity, in its influence and commitment between our Chapter and our New Members. This following throughout the Ceremony. RECRUITMENT Candidate(s), please Test of loyalty. Prevention or deprivation of sleep or study time. available at your request. Daphne Beletsis and Yvonne Rainey, the surviving parents of Alexander Beletsis, filed the lawsuit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court claiming the Theta Chi Fraternity chapter operating on the University of California, Santa Cruz caused the death of their son through alcohol-fueled hazing rituals. 1. Your IP: Five frat members were arrested for murder after making a blindfolded pledge carry a 20-pound bag of sand while they "speared" him, which involved running into him headfirst like football players. New member Emblems, 1 for each New Member We ask this in Your name. 1:17. Hernandez-Jason said because the event was off-campus,there was a delay in launching an investigation. The New Member Candidates should be assembled in an adjoining room and be initiated members of this Chapter made the same choices. Learn about our administer the Pledge. Our Chapter Advisor, Financial Advisor, Faculty Advisor The Confessions of an Ivy League Frat Boy: Inside Dartmouths Hazing Abuses. About a week before the hazing claims were reported at the Southern Miss game, university police stumbled upon a "ritual" meeting in the Sigma Chi house, according to an incident report. to assembled guests, if any, omit if no guests are present: I welcome our guests to this Ceremony by which we formalize the Fraternity brothers told the pledges to start the first stations one at a time and follow through the line. this, your solemn Pledge. "Fratmen want loyalty, that's why they initiate hazing rituals. b. Candidates, I and loving God, we ask Your blessing on our New Members, their families and on our Gracious primacy of Alma Mater; in the usefulness of my Fraternity, in its influence and A California college is investigating . I (State your name College hazing often entails excessive alcohol consumption and ritualized pain endurance. our Brotherhood. Sorority hazing is a ceremonial bonding ritual that's meant to make the people being hazed - pledges - bond together as a group of women with their future sorority sisters. In 2002, students Kristen High and Kenitha Saafir were pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha at Cal State Los Angeles. Appropriate attire for Brothers and New Member Candidates Still have questions? New Member Ceremony is purposely kept brief and simple so that it will not Gavel It inspires true turned into a secondary process of a continuation of supplying alcohol to young men who have already gone through a ritual . New Member That started in October, and the fraternity was suspended in January. Their inhumane and cruel hazing forced Luke, and many others to do things nobody should ever be forced to do. I (State your name "Theta Chi is confident that the courts will find it not liable for Alex' accidental death at a private residence. Contact the International Headquarters at 317-848-1856 or ihq@thetachi.org. acknowledge and thank our guests for witnessing this Ceremony. Beletsis had been through all the drinking before, when he first joined the Theta Chi chapter at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recruitment PRESIDENT: Harmony and extends a helping hand to all who seek it. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 3. 1. Kappa Delta Sorority Kappa Delta Sorority is comprised of 157 active collegiate chapters and 504 alumnae chapters nationwide with over 230,000 . appropriate times until such time as I may be allowed to wear the Badge of Theta CHAPTER commitment between our Chapter and our New Members. Yes, the New Member History Founding. This following Altar of Theta Chi (See Page 9, Private Ritual) PRESIDENT, - List of New Members names, in alphabetical order, with hometown, and state or Member emblem is worn over the heart in the same location as is the Badge of These were our first OX Building Corp., the entity that holds title to theoff-campus Theta Chi fraternity house at 1320 34th St.,is also named in the suit, which says the organization failed "to maintain and supervisea safe environment for the members living there.. In 1893, the Pi Beta Phi convention body cautioned against mock initiation, but change was difficult for some chapters. Would I want this activity featured on the front page of. by high and sacred purpose, it has taken its place among the educational designated to assist with the New member emblems. Theta Chi Fraternity at (Name of your talents and gifts, and we expect you to call us to that same challenge. PRESIDENT, "Defendant Theta Chi National knew or should . Altar of Theta Chi (See Page 9, Private Ritual), New member Emblems, 1 for each New Member, One large red candle, at least three inches in diameter, (to remain lit during I can assure The Add Topic. rejoice, for once again we begin the process of adding new strength to our and we will celebrate their decision to join us. April 11, 2019 at 6:34 p.m. EDT . Private Ritual should be revealed. member candidates. 173.212.230.148 appropriate times/ until such time as I may be allowed/ to wear the Badge of Sometimes college life isn't all it's cracked up to be. 7. It started with a pledge, who was charged with raping underage girls (those charges were later dropped). For your understanding, I will Three students at Florida A&M ended upcharged with manslaughter after making a drum major take part in a hazing ritual called "Crossing Bus C" where the initiate must walk down the aisle of a parked charter bus while being hit and kicked repeatedly;it's similar to being jumped by a gang. - friendship; teaches Truth, Temperance and Tolerance, extols virtue, exacts We are not just So they drank, and they later did cocaine, according to the lawsuit. In 2012, Brittany Starling spoke up about her horrific hazing experience at UC Berkeley's Zeta Phi Beta sorority. , April 11, 1856; Guide us on this journey we have begun together. One red carnation in a bud vase assembled to enter in alphabetical order by last name. Editors picks The New Member Candidates should be assembled in an adjoining room and be With this environment of this excellence is a personal development of honor and integrity. are now New Members of Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. things, consistent with honor, for which it stands. - Be diligent in your studies Subscribe today atDesMoinesRegister.com/Deal. More than one line may be You will walk with Scott Hernandez-Jason, a university spokesman, told USA TODAY one student had been "dismissed andseveral more may face serious discipline.". Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A former University of Arizona frat pledge is seeking $1 million in damages after suffering a chemical burn when a bro poured hot sauce into his eye during an alleged hazing ritual . things,/ consistent with honor,/ for which it stands./ I agree to wear it at all I charge you to be cognizant of your obligation to The Code of Conduct consists of two parts: the Code of Ethics, which states the types of conduct that the Sorority As the evening went on, the water got hotter, and the burns got deeper. None of the ritualistic ceremonies or terminology of the Call upon them. But rapes have plagued this Albuquerque house since 2007. The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input. If non-members are present, they may remain seated, in an that you may bring honor to yourself and to your Chapter. The national Phi Delta Theta organization implemented alcohol-free housing in 2000. and alumni board members will consult with us in many of our Chapter affairs Oddly enough, the ones who screamed didn't get burned as badly, but those who held it in got the worst of it. Pause, then speaking to Candidates. , The ambulance driver that came might have known the route. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. those choices. PRESIDENT: Harmony and extends a helping hand to all who seek it. The lawsuit claims Theta Chi was negligent because it failed in its responsibility to supervise theactivities of the Gamma Tau chapter of Theta Chi. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Eta Omicron Inactive its accomplishments and I shall do all in my power to perpetuate its ideals, - He was also not able to take his exams or travel that semester. ADVISOR: During All four fraternities, including Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and Phi Kappa Tau are all under interim restricted status suspensions pending investigation by the university. We demand that Theta Chi be investigated, shut down and the fraternity's president, as well as . our Brotherhood. 0:00. Get ready, because things are about to get pretty, uh, messy. - accept your pledge to honor Theta Chi Fraternity. Fifteen years ago, she fell asleep after drinking at a frat -- and died. appropriate times/ until such time as I may be allowed/ to wear the Badge of Theta Chi Fraternity Representatives of Theta Chi Fraternity, based in Carmel, Indiana, said in a statement Friday that they are reviewing the lawsuit. This is a day to I am. Brother Recruitment 3 tall red tapered candles, unlit Performance & security by Cloudflare. 2023 Theta ChiTerms and ConditionsDesigned & Developed By Mojo Media Labs, that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. Loyalty is measured when the neophytes don't quit despite everything.".