Suspended frat made new members eat until they threw up, university says
DALLAS -- The Kappa Alpha Order chapter on the Southern Methodist University campus in Texas was suspended as a result of an investigation into hazing.
A letter from university officials says the allegations stem from reports that they investigated during the new member education period of the Spring 2017 semester.
"The SMU chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order national organization was suspended on October 4, 2017, for a minimum of four years by the university, in agreement with the Kappa Alpha Order national organization," the university said in a written letter. "The suspension comes in response to operational and new member incidents that violated the SMU Student Code of Conduct and the fraternity's policies. SMU has made available alternative living arrangements for students who lived in the fraternity house, as well as other resources to help with their transition."
According to SMU, investigators found evidence that new members were forced to eat hot peppers, red onions and drink milk until they threw up.
The university also said the pledges were forced to wear soiled clothing with vomit, and were sleep deprived, among other things.
SMU freshman Grace Murray told CBS Dallas-Fort Worth she was shocked she "had never heard of the bad hazing."
"I've heard of it elsewhere, but not here, so I was surprised, bummed," Murray said.
The letter says SMU Kappa Alpha members have until Saturday to remove all belongings from the house, and they have effectively been ordered to shut down all activity.
Last year, a Kappa Alpha Order chapter in Virginia was suspended for sending a sexist email to students. Another in Missouri was suspended over a hazing incident. And a South Carolina chapter was closed over an off-campus drug ring.