In alignment with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the University of Missouri Transparency Report provides information on incidents of hazing within recognized student organizations. Incidents will remain on the Transparency Report for five years.
2024-2025 Transparency Report
Date of Hazing Incident(s): Sept. 16, Sept. 23, possibly others
Date Reported: Sept. 24
Dates of Investigation: Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2024
Type of Resolution: Alternative resolution
Date of Resolution: Dec. 13, 2024
Incident Description
Allegations about Beta Sigma Psi’s new member process were reported to the university, the report included the following behaviors and/or activities: new members being subjected to humiliation, physically demanding tasks, and degrading activities such as blindfolding, forced lineups, and a so-called “Olympics event” involving unsanitary and demeaning challenges. Additional concerns involved required acts of servitude, restricted access to parts of the chapter house, enforced dress codes, and the carrying of “pledge packs.”
Through the investigation, the following information was confirmed: new members were subjected to humiliation, required to perform demeaning tasks, restricted in their access to the house, and expected to serve active members. They were also required to carry certain items and attend unregistered events where alcohol was provided.
Resolution
The University worked in partnership with the Beta Sigma Psi alumni board to negotiate a resolution with the intention that significant change will take place in the organization, specifically related to the new member program, hazing prevention, and alcohol education. The following alternative educational solutions were developed:
- Alcohol and Hazing Prevention Education programming
- Semester meetings with Fraternity and Sorority Life staff
- Member Education program review and revision
- Advisory Board Recruitment and Training
- Leadership Change and New Leader Meeting
- Status Report Meeting with Student Accountability and Support, Fraternity and Sorority Life and Beta Sigma Psi leadership.
Date of Hazing Incident(s): Dates around Feb. 12, 2025
Date Reported: Feb. 14, 2025
Dates of Investigation: Feb. 21-27, 2025
Type of Resolution: Alternative resolution
Date of Resolution: April 4, 2025
Incident Description
Allegations about Delta Tau Delta’s new member process were reported to the university; the report included the following behaviors and/or activities: new members of the fraternity were provided and/or encouraged to consume alcohol, forced to sit in alcoholic beverages, and subjected to demeaning and derogatory group messages. Additionally, chapter members engaged in physically abusive behaviors toward new members.
Through the investigation, the following information was confirmed: no evidence that new members were forced to consume alcohol, sit in alcoholic beverages, or experience physical abuse. Derogatory and graphic messages were sent to new members through a group chat, which was later deleted by members after the investigation began. Chapter leadership acknowledged the messages were inappropriate and not reflective of their values.
Incident Description
The University worked in partnership with the Delta Tau Delta headquarters staff to negotiate a resolution with the intention that significant change will take place in the organization, specifically related to the new member program, hazing prevention, chapter communications and member accountability. The following alternative educational solutions were developed:
- Semesterly meetings with Fraternity and Sorority Life staff and the chapter leadership of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
- National organization chapter development plan
Date of Hazing Incident(s): Unknown date in early Sept. 2024
Date Reported: Sept. 22, 2024
Dates of Investigation: Sept. 27, 2024
Type of Resolution: Alternative resolution
Date of Resolution: Nov. 21, 2024
Incident Description
Allegations about Kappa Alpha Order’s new member process were reported to the university; the report included the following event: new members were in the attic of the fraternity house and given wine to drink all together.
Through the investigation, and in conversations with chapter leadership, the following information was confirmed: a new member activity took place at the chapter house in which new members were given boxed wine while they watched a movie; it was not confirmed that they were required to consume alcohol.
Resolution
The University worked in partnership with the Kappa Alpha Order headquarters staff and local chapter leadership to negotiate a resolution with the intention that significant change will take place in the organization, specifically related to the new member program and risk management education, specifically related to hazing and alcohol. The following alternative educational solutions were developed:
- Alcohol free facility until May 16, 2025
- Semesterly meetings with Fraternity and Sorority Life staff and the chapter leadership of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
- National Fraternity conditions