Hazing Report
East Stroudsburg University Hazing Report (updated January 1, 2025)
Organization:Theta Chi Fraternity
Date Incident Reported: October 25, 2024
Description of Violation: Alleged Hazing activities and alcohol violations. Initial referral stated that members of the fraternity identified women to take on fake dates, leave hickeys on their neck, and provide documentation to the fraternity to verify that this task has been completed. Further, new members are made to drink alcohol and are removed from the initiation process if they vomit.
Investigation Findings: Allegations were unfounded; not responsible.
Sanctions: Not applicable
Date Resolved: December 19, 2024
Organization: Women’s Swimming Team and Men’s Wrestling Team
Date Incident Reported: March 25, 2024
Description of Violation: Alleged Hazing and alcohol violations. Initial referral stated that members of both athletic teams participated in a “Date Party” where pairs were joined at the wrists using zip-ties and allegedly forced to consume alcohol.
Investigation Findings: The Women’s Swimming Team did host a social gathering on March 23, 2024 at an off-campus home occupied by multiple team members. The social gathering was called a “Date Party” and was an optional social event; some team members declined to participate in the events with no negative impact to their standing within the team. Multiple team members participated in the “Date Party” events including being zip-tied to their date for a portion of the evening and consuming alcohol. Some, but not all, individuals consuming alcohol were of legal drinking-age. All team members agreed that alcohol consumption was not forced. Team members stated that multiple non-alcoholic beverages and snacks were available.
At least four (4) members of the Men’s Wrestling Team attended the “Date Party” and participated in the activities. Two team members in attendance held a formal leadership role on the team. Team members that attended the “Date Party” did participate in being zip-tied to their date and consumed alcohol. One team member in attendance was under the legal drinking-age. Information regarding the Men’s Wrestling Team is limited as multiple team members invited to participate in an interview have not responded.
An investigation is ongoing into the allegations against the Women’s Swimming Team for Misuse of Alcohol and Disruptive Conduct (2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct). An investigation is ongoing into the allegations against the Men’s Wrestling Team for Complicity (2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct). Investigation Findings are not final.
Sanctions: To be determined following completed Investigation.
Date Resolved: Investigation ongoing. Investigation expected to be completed before August, 23. 2024. Investigative report due date was extended to January 2025.
Organization: Lambda Iota Sorority
Date Incident Reported: March 20, 2024
Description of Violation: Alleged Hazing violations. Referral alleged that Hazing violations took place at an off-campus meeting involving new members of the organization. The referral specifically alleged that new members were forced to wear blindfolds and were subjected to behavior that adversely affected the mental health and dignity of new members.
Investigation Findings: Interviews with the new members confirmed that a meeting specifically for new members was held off-campus on the evening of March 19, 2024. The meeting location was changed after the meeting began. One individual confirmed that they were blindfolded and yelled at for at least part of the meeting; all others interviewed denied the allegations. Supporting documentation, including text messages and card access reports aligned with information gathered during interviews. Sorority found responsible for Hazing (2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct).
Sanctions: The interim suspension was lifted without restriction. The Sorority entered Mutual Resolution with the office of Student Conduct and Community Standards following an Interim Suspension Hearing. The following educational sanctions were assigned:
- Disciplinary Probation through September 30, 2024.
- Civility Workshop due by May 31, 2024: This educational workshop is offered through Student Conduct and Community Standards. SCCS will provide at least two training sessions for active members of Lambda Iota to participate in. Following the workshop, members will also complete a one-to-two page reflection paper on the workshop experience. At least ninety percent (90%) of active members must complete the workshop to complete this educational sanction.
- Educational Program Referral due by September 30, 2024: It is recommended that Lambda Iota educate all members in Fall 2024 on the tenants of hazing, including how to recognize, prevent, report and stop hazing. It is further recommended that Lambda Iota work with their Advisor to review chapter events and make adjustments if needed after this educational program on hazing. The University may be able to assist Lambda Iota in identifying an appropriate educator for this session. At least ninety percent (90%) of active members must complete the workshop to complete this educational sanction. An attendance list, including signatures, and any materials provided during the training (if available) must be provided to SCCS to confirm the educational program has been completed.
Date Resolved: April 9, 2024
Organization: Women’s Soccer Team
Date Incident Reported: August 29, 2023
Description of Violation: Alleged Hazing and alcohol violations, it was stated that the team hosted an ‘initiation party’ for women’s soccer new members. One student went to the hospital for over consumption of alcoholic beverages. Specifically, it was alleged that the team hosted a closed party for the entire team to welcome the new members. New members were to wear a different color outfit than existing members. Alcohol was provided to underage members. New members were told they did not have to participate. Existing members did call for medical assistance when one new member fell ill.
Investigation Findings: New members stated they were not forced but did consume alcoholic beverages. One new member consumed too much alcohol and received medical attention. Team found responsible for Complicity; Disruptive Conduct-d; Hazing; Misuse of Alcohol - b; Misuse of Alcohol - c (2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct).
Sanctions:
- Educational Program on Hazing - it is recommended the University educate more fully on the tenants of hazing, how to recognize, prevent, report and stop hazing. It is recommended that this program be presented to both the women’s and men’s soccer team players, coaching staff and athletic administration- at minimum. Due Date: March 1, 2024 (pending availability of educator)
- Educational Program on Alcohol - it is recommended that the University educate on the effects of alcohol, the choices surrounding alcohol consumption, providing alcohol to those not of legal age, the legal implications of doing such as well as ‘hosting’ an event with alcohol present. (Some members stated that someone came to talk to them about alcohol and signs of alcohol poisoning after the incident.) This educational program should be delivered with a deeper dive into the culture of having alcohol as a part of the team’s celebrations. Due Date: March 1, 2024 (pending availability of educator)
- Official Warning Status to end on May 3, 2024.
Date Resolved: October 12, 2023
Organization: Women’s Club Rugby Team and Men’s Club Rugby Team
Date Incident Reported: February 23, 2023 and February 24, 2023
Description of Violation: Alleged Hazing activities within the Rugby Teams. Unclear referral information. Description stated unknown “point system”.
Investigation Findings: Insufficient evidence to substantiate hazing allegation.
Sanctions: Not applicable.
Date Resolved: March 30, 2023
Organization: Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
Date Incident Reported: February 14, 2023
Description of Violation: Interim suspension of Chapter for alleged Hazing violations, specifically new members were forced to consume alcohol and at least one new member was brought to the hospital by a non-member due to over consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Investigation Findings: New members stated they were not forced, but did consume alcoholic beverages; did have to leave communication devices outside of the venue and did have to dress in semi-formal attire. Chapter found responsible for Hazing; Misuse of Alcohol - B; and Complicity (2022-2023 Student Code of Conduct).
Sanctions: Interim suspension was lifted with restrictions. Disciplinary Probation until December 15, 2023. Educational Program due May 5, 2023:
- Alpha Omicron Pi National Head Quarters will conduct Alcohol Use and Guideline Training with the ESU Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Sorority/Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards.
- Alpha Omicron Pi National Head Quarters will conduct education on New Member Education with the ESU Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Sorority/Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards.
- Alpha Omicron Pi National Head Quarters will conduct Anti Hazing Training with the ESU Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Sorority/Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards. New Members given a Bid in Spring 2023 will be educated and on-boarded by Alpha Omicron Pi National Head Quarters. Jackie Petrucci will reach out to new members concerning the process.
Date Resolved: March 21, 2023
Organization: Sigma Pi Fraternity
Date Incident Reported: February 14, 2023
Description of Violation: Interim suspension of Chapter for alleged Hazing violations. Chapter was stated to have hosted another organization and allegedly let hazing of new members occur.
Investigation Findings: Chapter did host another organization at the Chapter house. Sigma Pi was found responsible for Complicity (2022-2023 Student Code of Conduct).
Sanctions: Interim suspension was lifted with restrictions. Disciplinary Probation until May 7, 2023. Education Program due:
- Sigma Pi National Head Quarters will conduct Social Host Training with the ESU Sigma Pi Chapter. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards.
- Sigma Pi National Head Quarters will conduct Alcohol Use and Guideline Training with the ESU Sigma Pi Chapter. Please include PA Medical Amnesty Law. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards.
- Sigma Pi National Head Quarters will conduct education on what is covered by insurance for the organization with the ESU Sigma Pi Chapter. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards.
- Sigma Pi National Head Quarters will conduct Anti Hazing Training with the ESU Sigma Pi Chapter. This training must be completed by a designated individual with the knowledge of the National Fraternity values, processes and procedures. Ninety percent, (90%) of the organization must be at the training in order for this sanction to be completed. A sign in sheet will be required to be completed and then forwarded to Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Date Resolved: March 17, 2023
Organization: Men's Cross Country/Indoor Track and Field/Outdoor Track and Field
Date Incident Reported: March 29, 2022
Description of Violation: Alleged Hazing violation. Allegations included bullying and harassment.
Investigation Findings: Allegations were unfounded; not responsible.
Sanctions: Not applicable
Date Resolved: June 15, 2022
Organization: Lambda Iota Sorority
Date Incident Reported: September 16, 2021
Description of Violation: Interim suspension of Chapter for alleged Hazing violations. It was alleged that the organization is said to have deprived individuals of sleep, caused new members to do calisthenics, deprived members of contacting others, told new members to wear and not to wear certain types of clothing and accessories, degraded new members in groups and made new members consume items that can be dangerous to one's health.
Investigation Findings: Allegations were unfounded; not responsible.
Sanctions: Interim suspension was lifted without restrictions.
Date Resolved: September 21, 2021
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Sycamore Suites, Lower Level
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3461
- Fax:
- (570) 422-3023 (Fax)
- Title of Department Leader
- Director Student Conduct & Community Standards
- Name
- Lauren Stemler
- E:
- lstemler@esu.edu
