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Created: September 29 2002
Latest Update: September 29, 2002
jeannecurran@habermas.org
takata@uwp.edu

Hazing: New Reports

Site Copyright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata and Individual Authors, September 2002.
"Fair use" encouraged.

I am delighted to report that I saw neither of these advertisements for the upcoming show on TV. Delighted, because several of you alerted me to it so I could put it up. Please watch if you get the chance, so we can include the show in our discussions on hazing. And notice also the letter posted on their web site by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority:

First Kara Cain alerted me. Then Sarah Thurman wrote. And TParson wrote to send the AKA web site address. Good work.

On Sunday, September 29, 2002, Sarah wrote:

Dear Jeanne
My name is Sarah Thurman and I'm in your society in law, and women in society class. I just saw a promotion for the TV show Dr. Phil on Mon. September 30. The show is going to have one of the mother of one of the girls from CAL state LA who passed away on September 10 on the beach in the local sorority hazing. I just wanted to let you know. Maybe you posted it on the site so other could watch the show if they choose. It comes on at 4:00 pm on NBC Channel 4. Thank You!

Then on Sunday, September 29 , 2002, TParson wrote that we should look at the hazing information on the AKA site, which includes this letter:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Web Site Backup

September 25, 2002
Letter from the Supreme Basileus

Dear Sorors, Partners, Family and Friends:

You may have seen recent media coverage surrounding the tragic deaths of two young women who drowned near California State University – Los Angeles on September 9 allegedly as the result of a pledging incident that got out of control. I hope you will join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families of the young women. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.

While there has been public speculation that the incident involved Alpha Kappa Alpha, I want to remind you that we have no chapter of AKA at California State University – Los Angeles. You may recall we suspended the local chapter more than two years ago over minor pledging infractions. If any individuals involved in the incident purported to represent AKA, they did so without the approval or knowledge of our organization. In fact, we are trying to determine whether the individuals involved have ever been members of AKA.

We are fully cooperating with local authorities’ investigation of this incident. While the details are still not clear, this is an appropriate time to review the strict anti-hazing policy we have in place, as well as our procedures to strictly enforce that policy. Our anti-hazing policy is available at www.aka1908.com. We have and will continue to enforce these procedures with all chapters.

I also want to make you aware that the family of one victim has filed a lawsuit against AKA over the incident. Obviously we cannot comment on pending litigation, however, we are committed to protecting the good name of AKA and our legacy of sisterhood, service and scholarship.

Be assured that AKA will continue to work toward fulfilling its commitment to service – in our communities, across the nation and around the world. And please take a moment to reflect on this tragedy.

In the spirit of sisterhood,

Linda M. White
Supreme Basileus

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