The UConn sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma was permanently banned Wednesday after allegedly forcing a pledge to lie on the floor and “sizzle like a bacon” and drink alcohol to an alarmingly dangerous level.
The sorority was informed in a letter from UConn authorities that the chapter’s registration was revoked and they have until May 15 to vacate the house permanently.
Sophomore Hillary Holt told reporters she was forced to lie on the floor and made to drink so much that she woke up in a hospital with a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit of 0.08.
According to testimony, the alleged hazing incident took place at the UConn chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. That organization will learn next week whether disciplinary action will be taken against the house.
“UConn has zero tolerance for hazing and all similarly harmful behaviors, and repeatedly makes those expectations clear to all student leaders in Greek life and other organizations,” said school spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz in an email. “The university’s decision to revoke Kappa Kappa Gamma’s registration and recognition was not taken lightly, but it was appropriate and imperative in light of the severity of the circumstances.”
Authorities for the UConn sorority disagree with the decision and said the hazing incident was the result of “the poor decisions make by a few individuals” at an unsanctioned event, and did not warrant the entire sorority being banned. Elizabeth Baily, the national vice president of Kappa Kappa Gamma vows to appeal the decision.
“Kappa views the punishment as extreme and plans to discuss an appeal with the chapter’s leadership before the university’s deadline,” Baily said.
The UConn sorority has until May 14 to file its appeal. If the punishment is upheld, it may re-apply as a student organization in four years.
This is the latest in a series of disciplinary action against UConn Greek organizations. Delta Zeta, Delta Gamma and Sigma Chi have been put on interim suspension after men were forced to eat dog treats, wear women’s underwear, and take alcohol shots off each other’s bodies.
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