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TCU 360

TCU 360

All TCU. All the time.

TCU 360

Suspended sorority may become active in spring semester

Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which currently has two members, may be eligible to resume activity on campus in the spring of 2008, said Brittany Jarrell, vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.The chapter was placed on self-imposed suspension last semester after hazing allegations, said Gaius George, National Pan-Hellenic Council adviser.

The sorority’s probation began in spring of 2007, said Jason Wallace, president of TCU’s NPHC.

Information about hazing is sent to the AKA regional director for TCU, Tari Bradford, said Patricia Owens, assistant director of membership for AKA.

Owens said only Bradford has information regarding the alleged hazing incident.

Bradford, the south-central regional director for the sorority, refused to comment on the reasoning behind the sorority’s suspension.

“Every restriction put on them was done by their national or regional board, none was done by TCU,” George said.

According to the sorority’s national Web site, suspension by the sorority disqualifies individuals from participating in sorority activities until restored to good standing by the regional director, following approval by the international president.

Yvonne Watkins, president of the TCU chapter, and Shanell Whitley, the other member of AKA, did not return multiple phone calls and e-mails regarding AKA’s suspension.

The members will be able to resume regular activities once their regional board of directors gives the chapter permission, George said.

AKA was founded in 1908 at Howard University and is the oldest Greek lettered organization founded by black, college-trained professionals. The sorority represents two important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and courage, according to the sorority’s Web site.

The TCU chapter is awaiting final say to return to their regular activities.

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