The hazy hazing situation

After months of receiving responses like “All information being provided is included in the release that was sent” (Laurence Bolotin), “It would be inappropriate for anyone from our Department to comment” (Athletics, full email after jump), and “you’re on Bwog I’m not gonna tell you anything, assface” (all our friends), we finally got an email of substance from none other than Columbia Student Affairs.  While leaving out the specifics, it clears up some of the timeline of the past year in ZBT:

“In the spring of 2013, ZBT was placed on social probation and submitted a plan of action which outlined how they were going to meet the conditions of their probation. The submitted plan was approved. It was clearly articulated to ZBT that at any point during the deferred suspension period, they would face further sanctioning if the chapter failed to meet the standards of its own plan or the actions of any individual, alumni, or guest was found to be in violation of University standards, codes or guidelines, and/or failed to comply with the procedures and criteria outlined by the Residential Programs- Fraternity & Sorority Life recognition policy.

After a careful review, it was determined that ZBT failed to abide by these expectations. As such, further disciplinary action was implemented. The decision has been made to revoke the Zeta Beta Tau chapter house, located at 627 W. 115th Street. ZBT will continue to be recognized on campus and participate in all IGC activities and events, including recruitment this fall.”

And in response to a question about if the hazing incident mentioned in Bolotin’s statement was the same that SA reviewed this past semester:

“It was brought to the University’s attention that an incident occurred during the fall 2012 semester in the ZBT residence that may have involved hazing. Student Affairs initiated a thorough review of the organization and individuals involved with the case, and it was determined that an act of hazing took place in the house. As a result, all individuals found responsible received judicial sanctions.”

Between the careful phrasing of “hazing took place in the house” and Bolotin’s assurance that it was non-affiliated students, we can’t help but remember the permeating rumors of the women’s field hockey team’s involvement, though you of course can draw your own conclusions.

Needless to say, if you know anything about this, email us at editors@bwog.com, or use our anonymous tip-form.

Most recent comment from Athletics:

“The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education is not involved in any disciplinary sanctions regarding on-campus student groups and organizations. It would be inappropriate for anyone from our Department to comment on a matter that falls under the campus jurisdiction of the Office of Student Affairs (however, due to federal privacy law, the Office of Student Affairs will also be limited in its ability to discuss the specifics of such matters).

The athletics program, its coaches and administrators strongly oppose – and would never condone – any and all hazing activities.”

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