Kappa Kappa Gamma suspended after pledge reportedly hit by car

Michele Theodore
Sat, 07 Mar 2015 05:47:32 +0000
Campus, News, cease and desist, greek life, Kappa Kappa Gamma, ohio state, sorority, suspended, women's fraternity

The Kappa Kappa Gamma national fraternity is currently investigating OSU’s Beta Nu chapter (pictured) after receiving information on a hazing incident that allegedly involved members of the sorority on OSU’s campus. Credit: Liz Young / Editor-in-chief

The Beta Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is under investigation from Ohio State.

After receiving a cease and desist letter earlier this week, The Columbus Dispatch reported that the university is investigating the women’s fraternity because a pledge was hit by a car while she was intoxicated.

The Dispatch reported that a 19-year-old student who was pledging was hit on Feb. 26 at the intersection of Indianola and 16th avenues, near Kappa Kappa Gamma’s house.

A member of the chapter told the Dispatch that the pledge had been released from the hospital and is recovering.

Dave Isaacs, spokesman for the Office of Student Life, said the cease and desist letter means the chapter must request permission and receive confirmation from Student Life prior to participating in any activities as a chapter or student organization.

The Kappa Kappa Gamma national women’s fraternity is also currently investigating OSU’s Beta Nu chapter after receiving information on a hazing incident that allegedly involved members of the sorority on OSU’s campus, said Elizabeth Bailey, Kappa Kappa Gamma national fraternity vice president.

This is not the first cease and desist order given to the chapter. A similar order was issued during an investigation by Student Conduct and the fraternity’s national organization in spring 2013.

Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of 17 national sororities at OSU governed by the Panhellenic Association. The association, which is part of the Panhellenic Association Conference, consists of more than 2,000 sorority women, according to its website.

Founded in 1870, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s headquarters are also located in Columbus, according to its website. OSU’s Beta Nu chapter was established on campus in 1888, the website said. It was the first women’s fraternity established at OSU.

“We are deeply disturbed to hear about the allegations against Kappa Kappa Gamma.The Panhellenic Association is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all of our members feel safe.” said Sally Triona, the vice president of public relations for the Panhellenic Association, in an email. “Both Kappa Kappa Gamma and PHA are fully cooperating with the University’s investigation.”