After hazing suspension, Kappa Sigma rebuilds
The local Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter is reforming under the direction of alumni. The fraternity is under university and national suspension because of hazing incidents last fall, administrators said.
By Colleen Casey
News Editor

Some former members of the suspended Kappa Sigma fraternity said they have a long road ahead of them to get back into the good graces of not just the university, but alumni and the national office as well.

Under the supervision of alumni, the remaining 20 former Kappa Sigs will meet soon to discuss reorganizing the local chapter, former member Brandon Lobell said Thursday. In May, the fraternity was suspended indefinitely from the university and its national office for hazing, administrators said.

“We’ve gone through a big change,” said Lobell, a sophomore business major. “Rebuilding is going to be a big challenge, but it’s definitely attainable.”

The chapter was kicked out of Tomlinson Hall and is not allowed to promote itself or participate in university activities, university officials said. Administrators said the soonest the fraternity could be reactivated is next semester.

“We will continue to work in concert with the (national chapter),” said Mike Russel, associate dean of Campus Life.
Don Mills, vice chancellor for student affairs, said 30 of the approximately 70 members of Kappa Sigma were expelled from the fraternity for hazing incidents that occurred in November of 2001. Those who were expelled have gone through the university’s disciplinary process, he said, and two members were charged with misdemeanor assaults. Mills declined to disclose names of those punished.

A spokeswoman for the Tarrant County district attorney said Thursday she did know if the office would pursue the case.The hazing included types of physical and mental abuse, said Mitchell Wilson, executive director of the fraternity’s national office. Fraternity officials would not elaborate further.

According to Kappa Sigma’s hazing policy, any form of verbal abuse or physical abuse is prohibited. Any chapter found in violation of the policy can be suspended or expelled.

“Any violation, regardless of how small, is serious,” Wilson said. “Hazing is the most serious form of a violation and runs contrary to everything we stand for.”

Wilson said there is no deadline for Kappa Sigma to reform. Reinstatement will depend on the determination of former members, he said.

“Basically all (TCU chapter’s) operations have been ceased and they won’t be able to do anything without the trustee’s permission,” Wilson said. “(The alumni) will work with (former members) to rewrite all programs, find more opportunities for community service and monitor the members’ grades.”

Of the remaining members, 20 are still in good standing with the university and have already adopted a highway and are organizing future philanthropy projects with the local alumni, Lobell said.

Phillip Thames, an alumnus and the district grand master for the TCU chapter, said he’ll meet with the remaining members next week.

“The guys I’ve spoken with are very determined to be recognized as a full chapter,” Thames said. “They’ve cooperated fully and seem very committed.”

The almuni’s main goal is to help former Kappa Sigma members prepare a presentation for the national office’s board members to prove the fraternity is compliant with the four Kappa Sigma cornerstones of fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service, Wilson said.

“We’re all staying together, and there’s still unity there,” Lobell said. “I’m sure we will be able to rebuild.”