Published: September 06, 2008 05:41 pm      

Southern Mississippi revokes Kappa Sigma charter

Hattiesburg — The University of Southern Mississippi has revoked the charter of Kappa Sigma fraternity after an alleged hazing incident that left two female students hospitalized.

President Martha Saunders said Thursday that the fraternity has acknowledged its participation in an event this past week at its house on the USM campus.

One student remained hospitalized Thursday in intensive care, Saunders said.

Both students, school officials say, were treated for alcohol poisoning. Neither student has been identified.

The university has closed the fraternity house and students were being helped to move out, Saunders said at a news conference in Hattiesburg.

Saunders said the university police department’s investigation of the incident was continuing. She did not say if the university intended to pursue charges against individual students.

“Our first concern is for the student who continues to receive medical treatment,” Saunders said.

She said the collegiate and alumni leadership of Kappa Sigma were informed of the university’s decision Thursday.

Saunders said the fraternity was cited for violating USM’s alcohol policy, the fraternity/sorority alcohol policy, the institutional policy of hazing and student code of conduct.

“We recognize the rich history and positive contributions this fraternity has made to the university community throughout its 60-year history,” Dean of Students Eddie Holloway said. “However, violations and blatant disregard for policies will not be tolerated.”

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