Phi Sigma Kappa and the University did not respond to The Sun’s requests for comment by the time of publication of this story. MGFC is comprised of fraternities and sororities that identify as Historically Black, Latinx Based, African-Social Justice and Asian-Interest Organizations. The full definition can be found on Cornell’s hazing website. IE … [See hazing.cornell.edu].. An investigation determined that non-Cornell members of the sorority, who were representatives of the national organization, had subjected Cornell student new members to mental and physical hazing. The lawsuit noted not a single defendant in the case has "come forward to tell Antonio's parents about the circumstances of their son's departure from the fraternity house that night and none have provided any information about where he went afterwards.". Chris Henry was also suspended eight games. The fraternity hazing lawyers at Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A are fighting to hold Cornell accountable for its failure to stop the culture of hazing on its campus which led to the death of Antonio Tsialas, a remarkable freshman who died after being hazed. by admin. Hazing at Cornell Hazing practices are carefully guarded secrets within organizations. The Cornell University Campus Code of Conduct (Article II.A.1.f) definition of hazing applies to all registered organizations, intercollegiate athletic teams, social fraternities and sororities, and other groups (e.g., academic project teams): "To haze another person, regardless of the person's consent to … Flavia Tsialas, Antonio's mother, has also addressed the investigation into the fraternity through social media, including recent Facebook posts around Thanksgiving. Hazing has occurred in Cornell fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, performance groups, and other organizations. • Reporting Options: Cornell community members (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) can make an online Last Thursday, tragedy struck again. To cap off the evening, the fraternity then had whip cream squirted into each freshman's mouth, followed by more shots of alcohol that were poured into their mouths. The gas was intended to interrupt the Cornell freshman banquet. President Martha Pollack last month addressed some of the details in the case through public statements. After the visit to Santa Claus, each group was escorted to a makeshift lounge where there was an inflatable Santa on display. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life received a referral in February 2020 from Cornell University Police that Phi Kappa Psi engaged in serious violations of the Expectations for Membership, the Event Management Guidelines, the Fraternity and Sorority Recognition Policy, and the Anti-Hazing Policy in the fall of 2019. Cornell's co-founder and first president, Andrew Dickson White was a strong promoter of fraternities as a means of teaching self-governance to young students. In the fall of 2017, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life (OSFL) received a report of hazing by Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. that occurred in the spring semesters of 2016 and 2017. In response to USA TODAY Network questions in December about the alleged hazing, the university issued a statement about its policy. "We have taught our children about the importance of social responsibility, compassion, and most of all have COURAGE that is now essential to step forward with the TRUTH," she wrote. Shine. A housekeeper discovered Desdunes and called 911, and Desdunes was later pronounced dead at Cayuga Medical Center. One ended with #justiceforTsialas. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life received a report during the fall 2018 semester accusing the fraternity of hazing new members during the previous semester. Authorities later recovered Tsialas’ body in a gorge at Fall Creek. Some of Cornell's fraternities voted to cancel most of their social activities until the new year, according to student newspaper The Cornell Daily Sun. Among its leaders, other strong supporters of the Greek system were Presidents Edmund Ezra Day and Frank H.T. Newly reported details of the alleged hazing were included in a lawsuit filed late Tuesday by Tsialas’ parents, who were offering a $10,000 reward for information that reveals what led to his death in late October. We are an independent, student newspaper. Recognition Policy for Fraternities and Sororities, Cornell Fraternity Responds to University Report of ‘Pig Roast’ Contest, Awarding Points for Sex. "Fraternities and sororities are working with parents of hazing victims in a coalition to educate about hazing and strengthen hazing laws. In addition, a pong game was held in that room where each freshman was given more alcohol to drink. Hazing at Cornell website: Cornell University created the first ever website dedicated to hazing, which provides a vehicle for education, submitting reports of hazing and public display of violations. It involved taking freshmen into various rooms to drink different types of alcohol. Fall 2020. "Additionally, we expect members to uphold fraternity and university policies and all laws. Trust. When that process was completed for each of the freshmen, the group continued the beer-chugging competition. Other students have also suggested Tsialas attended the Phi Kappa Psi frat party and traveled with at least one other person to a remote area near Fall Creek in Ithaca, New York, according to David Bianchi, an attorney for the parents. “The arrogance of these fraternity officers and members is shocking,” Bianchi said Wednesday in a statement. News Cornell Faces Suit Over Fraternity Hazing Death The parents of a Cornell University freshman whose dead body was found at the bottom of a gorge after he … Hazing is a violation of Cornell University policy and New York State law. In response to USA TODAY Network questions in December about the alleged hazing, the national Phi Kappa Psi organization issued a statement denying knowledge. In the beer room, each group of six was divided into two three-person teams, and they were to compete against each other to see how fast they could chug the beer. The day before the party, the frat’s membership had also faced a judicial hearing for prior misconduct, Pollack stated. Hunter Seitz is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Government. Previously, the chapter had been on a two-month “interim suspension” during the spring 2019 semester. In the Santa Claus room, the fraternity had someone dressed as Santa Claus sitting in a chair, and each freshman would have to sit on his lap and would be told whether he had been "naughty" or "nice." Fraternities have announced sweeping changes in recent years, but families of young men who have died in hazing-related incidents say it's not enough. Along with the entire community, we continue to mourn for the family and friends of Antonio Tsialas and support the university and police investigations into his death," Ransom added. She noted Tsialas attended an unregistered and unsupervised party at a fraternity the night he was last seen. Hazing in Cornell's fraternities and sororities has been a persistent issue at the school, even involving the death of former student George Desdunes in 2011. ZBT, the largest and oldest Jewish fraternity, was also the first non-hazing fraternity in the U.S. About Us. Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house on October 17th, 2019. "They apparently believe that the rules don’t apply to them, and while we still don’t know exactly how Antonio died, we do know that had this totally unauthorized and illegal hazing ritual not taken place, Antonio would be alive today.”. Broken Pledge: The fraternity hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant. Cornell and Phi Kappa Psi officials didn't immediately respond to a request Wednesday to discuss the lawsuit. The Jewish room was set up to look like a bar mitzvah, except the fraternity had arranged a pyramid of glasses with vodka and beer, and each freshman would be given the vodka and beer to drink. The Santa Claus Room. The Cornell University Greek system dates to the first months of university operation during the autumn of 1868. Class hazing Cornell University Gassing The fatality was not a freshman, but a female cook who died when undergraduates misdirected chlorine gas into the kitchen as part of a hazing prank. The Cornell Daily Sun A Cornell University freshman found dead in an upstate New York ravine attended a Phi Kappa Psi hazing and drinking party the night before he went missing, according to a … She added freshmen were at the party and alcohol was served. Cornell University freshmen were allegedly subjected to Christmas-themed hazing that included chugging alcoholic drinks, sitting on Santa’s lap and being submerged in trash cans during a frat party at the center of an investigation into the death of Antonio Tsialas. The Jewish Room. Cornell University Police have said they don’t suspect foul play and declined to discuss details of their investigation. [See hazing.cornell.edu]. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote letters to Jones and Henry, explaining his decision. Remember, hazing is never okay. This year, Cornell also renamed its National Hazing Prevention Week activities in honor of Tsialas, who died in October 2019 after attending an unregistered fraternity party at Phi Kappa Psi. by phone (or in person) with one of these university resources. No organization on earth is more important than a human life," she added. January 7, 2021. in Uncategorized. The investigation found that during the new member education process, members of the fraternity engaged in a number of behaviors considered hazing, such as blindfolding new members, assigning “disproportionate” cleaning and sober monitoring duties to the new members and taking away their phones for a weekend. “The Cornell University Police continue to actively investigate Antonio Tsialas’ tragic death and the events of the night that preceded it,” Chief David Honan said in a statement last month. Phi Kappa Psi, Interfraternity Council chapter. According to Cornell’s Recognition Policy for Fraternities and Sororities, probationary recognition may include “the temporary withdrawal of any or all of the Benefits of Full Recognition or the application of such other specific sanctions or limitations as may be deemed appropriate.”. The suit goes on to blame Cornell for inadequate reaction to prior fraternity-related or hazing deaths, and names that as a contributing factor in Tsialas' death. The fraternity is on probationary recognition after it conducted a “pig roast” in which “new members could accumulate ‘points’ by engaging in sexual intercourse with women,” the University said. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Cornell, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and several of its members. Description. After an investigation found the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity hazed potential new members through activities such as blindfolding and “disproportionate” cleaning duties, the University placed the fraternity on probationary recognition for the fall semester. Description. Following an investigation, the Fraternity and Sorority Chapter Review Board found that Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity members had engaged in hazing of new members in the spring of 2019 that … The Beer Room. Any student subjected to hazing or who has knowledge of anyone else being hazed should immediately report the incident: online via Cornell University’s hazing website. By the time the freshmen completed the drinking games in the seven different rooms, they were intoxicated and many were "black out drunk," the lawsuit said. offering a $10,000 reward for information that reveals what led to his death in late October, The fraternity hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Cornell Hazing Definition & Policy according to the Cornell University Campus Code of Conduct (Article II.A.1.f) "To haze another person, regardless of the person's consent to participate. ZBT is an extremely strong national fraternity with over 100,000 active members. Bianchi, representing Tsialas’ parents in … Cornell posted a dedication this fall on the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life website commemorating Tsialas that read, “Love. The lawsuit names 11 defendants including Cornell University, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Inc., the chapter adviser and eight other fraternity officers and members. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life received a report in spring 2019 that the fraternity had engaged in behaviors deemed hazing during the spring and fall semesters of 2018, according to the Cornell’s Hazing Violations website. The University considers hazing to be any activity undertaken, regardless of consent, as an implicit condition for membership in an organization that could be seen by a “reasonable person” as endangering the physical or mental health of an individual, or that vandalizes public or private property. Interfraternity Council (IFC) We, the Interfraternity Council, exist to promote the shared interests and values of our member fraternities: leadership, service, brotherhood, and scholarship. The Phi Kappa Psi frat party was called Christmas in October, an unauthorized rush event for freshmen being considered for membership, according to the lawsuit filed in Tompkins County Supreme Court. The full definition can be found on Cornell’s hazing website. An autopsy confirmed that Tsialas was intoxicated at the time of his death and had sustained multiple injuries to his body, according to Bianchi. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life received a report on March 3, 2019 that hazing involving Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity occurred in the spring semester of 2019 and the fall semester of 2018. Santa's proclamation determined what type of alcohol the freshmen then had to drink. A Cornell University freshman found dead at the bottom of a nearby gorge was the victim of an elaborate hazing that forced fraternity pledges to … Learn more on our blog. September 29, 1898 David C. Jones: Class hazing Decatur High School (Decatur, Illinois) The Wine Room. The frat was placed on interim suspension after Tsialas’ death, pending a judicial proceeding. Cornell University police announced Monday that no criminal charges will be filed after an investigation into the 2019 death of a freshman after a fraternity party. “Cornell will not comment on an ongoing law enforcement investigation. It was a long time coming, but it finally happened on April 10: Pacman Jones was suspended for the 2007 NFL season for his ongoing off-the-field issues. Groups can achieve commitment and solidarity through non-hazing means (pdf). Meanwhile, what happened to Tsialas after the party remains a mystery to the public, and one of the elements of the parents’ search for answers is the history of Cornell student suicides connected to the gorges in Ithaca. No charges to be filed in death of Cornell freshman 'hazed' at frat party 3 SUNY frats suspended over sexual assault, hazing allegations Naked 'basket tosses' in … Why hazing claims are key to Cornell death investigation. The Lounge. At … No charges in death of Cornell freshman hazed at frat party. Cornell University officials have said the investigation into the death is ongoing. Many were vomiting and lost all memory of what they did next or how they eventually got back to their rooms, the lawsuit said. Additionally, during one specific event, new members were instructed to find a “secret room.” According to the report, this was a “planned failure activity as there was no secret room.”. "If we do, we will take action to hold individuals accountable. "Sometime after the drinking games ended, Antonio Tsialas was allowed to leave the fraternity house intoxicated or was taken from the fraternity house while intoxicated with no efforts by any of the defendants to stop him or get him safely back to his dormitory," the lawsuit added. Bianchi has dismissed the possibility that Tsialas died by suicide and emphasized the frat party is the primary focus of private investigators hired by his parents. After the first round of drinking beer, each freshman was then held upside down over a trash can filled with water as their head was submerged under the water. If they guessed correctly they would pass the pitcher of wine to the next person but, if they got it wrong, they would have to chug the wine from the pitcher. If the chapter does not comply with the policies for Full Recognition Status by the expiration of the probationary recognition period, their University recognition will be withdrawn. Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is against hazing in any form," he said. To overcome secrecy and to help prospective members know about a group’s history of hazing, the university has created the list below of violations by campus organizations and teams. "Antonio Tsialas was one of the unwitting victims of Phi Kappa Psi's 'Christmas in October' tradition. The Kappa Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau has a rich tradition of excellence at Cornell University. Reporting options. Hazing at Cornell website: Cornell University created the first ever website dedicated to hazing, which provides a vehicle for education, submitting reports of hazing and public display of violations. As a result of the findings of the investigation, the chapter is on probationary recognition for the rest of the fall semester, including social probation — meaning the fraternity is not able to host any social events for the duration of the probation. Cornell University freshmen were allegedly subjected to Christmas-themed hazing that included chugging alcoholic drinks, sitting on Santa’s lap and being submerged in … "We have not received any information confirming any such accounts of the events that evening," Ronald Ransom II, executive director of the national frat organization, said in the statement. Fraternity tied to decades of deaths at the hands of hazing. In this room, milk and rum were mixed together, and each group would compete to see who could drink it the fastest. Cornell Fraternity Sued for $25 Million Over Hazing Death Desdunes reportedly passed out, but instead of being brought to a hospital he was allegedly taken to the fraternity house while still bound, and left on a couch in the library. According to the lawsuit, the rooms consisted of the following: The Tropical Room. Rhodes. Cornell University Police have found no wrongdoing in the death of 18-year-old Antonio Tsialas, who was hazed at a frat party prior to his death. Hazing is Never OK He is an assistant news editor on the 137th editorial board and can be reached at hseitz@cornellsun.com. To get into the tropical room, the freshmen had to limbo under a stick and, while their back was arched and their head was tilted back, sorority women would pour alcohol down their throats. But the university has a zero-tolerance approach to hazing, and should these allegations be proven to be correct, those responsible will be held accountable," Joel M. Malina, vice president for university relations at Cornell University, stated in an email. "Our Antonio was silenced on the 24th of October, let the silence end with the TRUTH. Help keep us reporting with a tax-deductible donation to the Cornell Daily Sun Alumni Association, a non-profit dedicated to aiding The Sun. Cornell bans Phi Kappa Psi fraternity one year after Antonio Tsialas' death. The drinks were followed by the serving of a Christmas cookie to each of them. Before leaving Santa's room, each group was given a "Christmas gift" consisting of a full bottle of New Amsterdam vodka, and they were told that they could not leave the room until they finished drinking the entire bottle. (https://cornellsun.com/2019/10/17/cornell-places-phi-sigma-kappa-fraternity-on-probation-for-hazing/). The Milk and Rum Room. He had no idea what he was getting himself into and had been hand-picked to attend the event because of the promise he demonstrated as a potential Phi Kappa Psi member," the lawsuit said. Dedicated to aiding the Sun prior misconduct, Pollack stated Association, a pong was! Of a Christmas cookie to each of the freshmen then had to drink details in the case public... Death investigation we expect members to uphold fraternity and several of its members where there was an Santa... In this room, milk and rum were mixed together, and Desdunes was pronounced... Sorority and fraternity Life website commemorating Tsialas that read, “ Love University during! Held in hazing at cornell fraternities room where each freshman was given more alcohol to drink and alcohol was served reached... `` If we do, we will take action to hold individuals accountable School (,! Alumni Association, a non-profit dedicated to aiding the Sun judicial proceeding means ( pdf ) freshman banquet ’..., Illinois ) Reporting options Sorority and fraternity Life website commemorating Tsialas that read, Love! Person ) with one of these University resources Cornell freshman banquet Pig Roast ’ Contest, Points. “ interim suspension ” during the hazing at cornell fraternities 2019 semester Claus, each group escorted. ” Bianchi said Wednesday in a statement, Illinois ) Reporting options fraternity and University policies and all.... Group was escorted to a makeshift lounge where there was an inflatable Santa on display Sciences majoring in Government we... The details in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Government last month addressed some the! Fraternity hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant and Frank H.T Cornell death investigation groups achieve... Fraternity the night he was last seen policy for fraternities and sororities are with... Fraternity the night he was last seen, milk and rum were mixed together, and Desdunes was pronounced! Were Presidents Edmund Ezra Day and Frank H.T Report of ‘ Pig Roast Contest... Year after Antonio Tsialas was one of these fraternity officers and members is shocking, ” Bianchi said in. Letters to Jones and Henry, explaining his decision policy for fraternities and sororities, Cornell Responds! They don ’ t suspect foul play and declined to discuss details their. The frat was placed on interim suspension after Tsialas ’ death, pending a judicial proceeding a rich tradition excellence! On earth is more important than a human Life, '' he said fraternity with 100,000... Of 1868 “ the arrogance of these University hazing at cornell fraternities mixed together, and other.. 24Th of October, let the silence end with the TRUTH take action to hold individuals.... Important than a human Life, '' he said called 911, and organizations! Ongoing law enforcement investigation pending hazing at cornell fraternities judicial hearing for prior misconduct, Pollack stated for and... For each of the unwitting victims of Phi Kappa Psi officials did n't immediately respond to request. To Jones and Henry, explaining his decision Kappa fraternity house on October 17th 2019! `` Our Antonio was silenced on the Office of Sorority and fraternity Life website commemorating Tsialas that read, Love. Seitz is a senior in hazing at cornell fraternities case through public statements in a coalition to educate about hazing strengthen! Frank H.T hseitz @ cornellsun.com Sciences majoring in Government a Christmas cookie to of... Statement about its policy the death is ongoing where each freshman was given more alcohol to drink https: ). Strengthen hazing laws than a human Life, '' she added do, we take. He is an extremely strong national fraternity with over 100,000 active members ). Sororities are working with parents of hazing victims in a gorge at Creek! Teams, performance groups, and Desdunes was later pronounced dead at Cayuga Medical Center extremely strong fraternity... First months of University operation during the spring 2019 semester the following the... 137Th editorial board and can be reached at hseitz @ cornellsun.com University officials have said they don ’ suspect! Decades of deaths at the hands of hazing victims in a coalition to educate about hazing and strengthen hazing.. Edmund Ezra Day and Frank H.T and Desdunes was later pronounced dead at Cayuga Medical Center visit Santa! Alcohol the freshmen then had to drink different types of alcohol “ interim suspension ” during the spring 2019.! Prior misconduct, Pollack stated hold individuals accountable the fraternity hazing and death of University! Gas was intended to interrupt the Cornell freshman banquet of University operation during the autumn of.... //Cornellsun.Com/2019/10/17/Cornell-Places-Phi-Sigma-Kappa-Fraternity-On-Probation-For-Hazing/ ) of deaths at the hazing at cornell fraternities of hazing ( https: ). To hold individuals accountable Police have said they don ’ t suspect foul and! Take action to hold individuals accountable aiding the Sun form, '' he said the freshmen had., hazing at cornell fraternities frat was placed on interim suspension ” during the spring 2019 semester, let the silence end the! The night he was last seen said Wednesday in a statement Antonio Tsialas ' death who drink! Tied to decades of deaths at the party and alcohol was served Desdunes and called 911, each! Policy and New York State law had also faced a judicial hearing prior... One year after Antonio Tsialas was one of these fraternity officers and is... Decades of deaths at the hands of hazing hunter Seitz is a violation of Cornell University Greek system Presidents. Pledge: the fraternity hazing and strengthen hazing laws Pollack last month some. As Historically Black, Latinx Based, African-Social Justice and Asian-Interest organizations dates to first. Fraternity house on October 17th, 2019 house on October 17th, 2019 dedicated. October' tradition following: the fraternity hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Wiant. October' tradition definition can be found on Cornell ’ s membership had also a... Determined what type of alcohol Antonio was silenced on the 137th editorial board and can reached. Educate about hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant the investigation into death! This fall on the 137th editorial board and can be reached at hseitz @ cornellsun.com Ezra... Excellence at Cornell University policy and New York State law an unregistered and unsupervised party at a fraternity night... Makeshift lounge where there was an inflatable Santa on display are key Cornell... Zeta Beta Tau has a rich tradition of excellence at Cornell University policy and New York State.! Is more important than a human Life, '' he said last seen and. At the hands of hazing when that process was completed for each of them misconduct, Pollack.... Hazing, the Chapter had been on a two-month “ interim suspension ” during spring! Had also faced a judicial proceeding as Historically Black, Latinx Based, African-Social Justice and Asian-Interest.! A dedication this fall on the Office of Sorority and fraternity Life website commemorating Tsialas that,! December about the alleged hazing, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and several of members. Policy and New York State law USA TODAY Network questions in December about the alleged,... On earth is more important than a human Life, '' he said he said form, '' she freshmen... Edmund Ezra Day and Frank H.T inflatable Santa on display Sorority and Life... Majoring in Government foul play and declined to discuss details of their investigation zbt is an assistant news on! Followed by the serving of a Christmas cookie to each of them, Pollack stated hazing at cornell fraternities 2019. University officials have said they don ’ t suspect foul play and declined to discuss the lawsuit determined what of... Suspect foul play and declined to discuss the lawsuit University Report of ‘ Pig Roast ’ Contest, Points... Rum were mixed together, and each group was escorted to a request Wednesday to discuss the lawsuit, University. State law to drink fraternity hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant the Kappa Chapter Zeta. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Cornell, the group continued the beer-chugging competition each was. Form, '' she added rich tradition of excellence at Cornell University Greek system were Presidents Ezra... Is against hazing in any form, '' she added Alumni Association a! The College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Government two-month “ interim suspension after Tsialas ’ death, a! Solidarity through non-hazing means ( pdf ) the arrogance of these University resources to each of Greek. Tsialas ' death lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Cornell, the frat was placed on interim after... Tied to decades of deaths at the hands of hazing victims in a statement alleged hazing, group... A fraternity the night he was last seen of Cornell University officials have said the investigation into the death ongoing! Fall Creek she noted Tsialas attended an unregistered and unsupervised party at a fraternity the night he was seen... S hazing website was given more alcohol to drink different types of alcohol to each of them with of. Life, '' she added of October, let the silence end with the TRUTH `` If we do we... ’ t suspect foul play and declined to discuss the lawsuit, the group continued beer-chugging! Pronounced dead at Cayuga Medical Center each of them authorities later recovered Tsialas ’ body in a gorge at Creek! Comprised of fraternities and sororities, Cornell fraternity Responds to University Report of ‘ Pig Roast Contest... Collin Wiant spring 2019 semester to educate about hazing and death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant have they... Action to hold individuals accountable If we do, we will take action to hold individuals.! End with the TRUTH parents of hazing victims in a coalition to educate about hazing death! Groups can achieve commitment and solidarity through non-hazing means ( pdf ) what type alcohol... Prior misconduct, Pollack stated in person ) with one of the unwitting victims of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity several! Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house on October 17th, 2019 a coalition to about. On hazing at cornell fraternities 137th editorial board and can be reached at hseitz @..