Dallas Morning News
June 24, 2006
By ROBERT THARP
A 26-year-old Dallas man who pressured an SMU fraternity pledge to drink so much water during an off-campus initiation ritual that he nearly died was convicted of aggravated assault Friday.
Raymond Lee put a handkerchief to his shaved head and cried after the guilty verdict was announced. Jurors in his trial will return Monday to consider Mr. Lee's punishment, which ranges from probation to 20 years in prison.
Attorneys for Mr. Lee argued that he was not guilty because he did not realize that consuming so much water is potentially dangerous. Attorney Ray Jackson told jurors that Braylon Curry voluntarily submitted to the "water night" initiation ritual, a longtime tradition of predominantly black fraternities that Mr. Jackson said prosecutors could not understand.
"There's been 20 years of water night," he said.
Mr. Jackson noted that Mr. Curry applied to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at SMU knowing that it would involve pledging rituals. At the time, the fraternity chapter was strictly forbidden to perform such initiations because of past hazing incidents, but Mr. Jackson said Mr. Curry signed up for an "underground" initiation process that involved the traditional pledging activities.
"Pledging is not easy. Pledging is not for everyone. There are choices that have to be made," Mr. Jackson said. "He didn't have to pledge Alpha Phi Alpha. He made a choice to pledge. Why? Because he wanted to be an Alpha.
"But prosecutor Josh Healy said Mr. Lee should have realized that Mr. Curry was in danger that night.
According to court testimony, the November 2003 initiation ritual inside a northeast Dallas apartment began with orders for the fraternity pledges to guzzle salsa and hot sauce for about an hour. After that, they were quizzed on fraternity history and ordered to perform fraternity hymns and dances. Mistakes were punished with orders to guzzle water.
Mr. Curry testified that Mr. Lee held a gallon jug of water to Mr. Curry's mouth and slapped him. Later that night he collapsed and began having seizures, nearly drowning in his vomit. He spent 10 days in the hospital, and a doctor testified that he was close to death.
Mr. Lee had graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas at the time but was still active in local fraternity functions. While at UTD, he was suspended from the fraternity for taking part in a hazing incident. For punishment, he was ordered to perform community service and write a paper on the dangers of hazing.
Mr. Healy countered Mr. Lee's earlier testimony about how much the fraternity meant to him by noting that Mr. Lee is serving probation for stealing a pledge brother's identity and writing about $5,000 in hot checks.
"The defendant talked about how important it was to be an Alpha it's so strong that he stole from his own pledge brother," he said.
Seven other men have been indicted in the initiation ritual and are awaiting trial.
News and opinion for all the SigEp brotherhood.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Search of Dartmouth Fraternity House Yields No Evidence
The Dartmouth via U-Wire
June 23, 2006
By Phil Salinger & Elise Waxenberg, The Dartmouth;
DartmouthHanover, N.H., police returned nearly all materials removed from Dartmouth College's Alpha Delta fraternity in a June 8 search of the physical plant without having found the sexually explicit video they were looking for.
The fraternity's alumni advisor John Engelman said that Hanover Police Captain Frank Moran returned all confiscated materials to him except for a computer that was still being examined, and that Moran told him that police found nothing related to the case.
"I suspect that they may have in the intervening week looked at the files on the computer and I'm absolutely confident that they will not find anything that's related to the investigation," Engelman said.
Hanover Police Chief Nicholas Giaccone would not comment last week on anything related to the ongoing investigation, which began in the fall of 2004, and would not verify whether any police officers spoke with Engelman about the outcome of the search. At that time, Giaccone said that the matter was still under investigation and he would not speculate on whether the two-year delay in obtaining a search warrant could have hurt the police's chances of finding what they were looking for.
Giaccone said that police are finished searching AD for the time being.
"Will there be more arrests? Probably," he said.Giaccone said that "key College officials" were informed that police were going to search AD beforehand, on the condition that they could not warn the fraternity.
The search, performed three days before Commencement, yielded two arrests for marijuana possession.
Engelman said that he did not know that the College was given a "heads up on this," but that he would not have expected the College to interfere with the legal process by telling AD about the search ahead of time.
"The College has been very good," Engelman said. "They can't take sides in this case but they've offered their very good offices to provide information or advice in dealing with things like the media.
"Last week Giaccone said that police do not have any immediate plans to release the documents related to the case, including the search warrant and affidavits, which are still sealed.
The investigation has attracted coverage by well over 100 media outlets across the country, which have focused on AD's reputation as the "Animal House" fraternity, having been home to the movie's writer, Chris Miller '64.
(C) 2006 The Dartmouth
June 23, 2006
By Phil Salinger & Elise Waxenberg, The Dartmouth;
DartmouthHanover, N.H., police returned nearly all materials removed from Dartmouth College's Alpha Delta fraternity in a June 8 search of the physical plant without having found the sexually explicit video they were looking for.
The fraternity's alumni advisor John Engelman said that Hanover Police Captain Frank Moran returned all confiscated materials to him except for a computer that was still being examined, and that Moran told him that police found nothing related to the case.
"I suspect that they may have in the intervening week looked at the files on the computer and I'm absolutely confident that they will not find anything that's related to the investigation," Engelman said.
Hanover Police Chief Nicholas Giaccone would not comment last week on anything related to the ongoing investigation, which began in the fall of 2004, and would not verify whether any police officers spoke with Engelman about the outcome of the search. At that time, Giaccone said that the matter was still under investigation and he would not speculate on whether the two-year delay in obtaining a search warrant could have hurt the police's chances of finding what they were looking for.
Giaccone said that police are finished searching AD for the time being.
"Will there be more arrests? Probably," he said.Giaccone said that "key College officials" were informed that police were going to search AD beforehand, on the condition that they could not warn the fraternity.
The search, performed three days before Commencement, yielded two arrests for marijuana possession.
Engelman said that he did not know that the College was given a "heads up on this," but that he would not have expected the College to interfere with the legal process by telling AD about the search ahead of time.
"The College has been very good," Engelman said. "They can't take sides in this case but they've offered their very good offices to provide information or advice in dealing with things like the media.
"Last week Giaccone said that police do not have any immediate plans to release the documents related to the case, including the search warrant and affidavits, which are still sealed.
The investigation has attracted coverage by well over 100 media outlets across the country, which have focused on AD's reputation as the "Animal House" fraternity, having been home to the movie's writer, Chris Miller '64.
(C) 2006 The Dartmouth
Southern U. Fraternity Suspended for Alleged Hazing
Southern Digest
June 19, 2006
By Janene Tate, Southern Digest
Baton Rouge, La.
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has beensuspended from operation. The order was handed down from Robert Bennett, dean of Student Life at Southern University.
According to Bennett, between Monday, Jan. 24 and Tuesday, Jan. 25, members of the fraternity allegedly took an apparent prospective member to a hotel in Port Allen and in a wooded area in Zachary on two occasions. The prospective member was allegedly struck repeatedly on the buttocks, shoulders and back at both locations. He later reported his attacks to the SU Police Department.
"Although the young man reported the incident to us, it did not occur in our jurisdiction," said SU Chief of Police Dale Flowers. "We advised him to contact the appropriate police departments in Port Allen and Zachary.
"Bennett said the individuals who allegedly inflicted harm on the prospective member face several consequences. If individuals are indeed identified as the abusers, their charges will be handled on an individual basis. If no individual comes forward or is officially identified, the entire fraternity will face further punishment."First of all, hazing is a felony -- they (members) can be arrested. Second, they can be suspended from the university for violating the university's code of conduct. Third, the fraternity can suspend them from membership," Bennett said.
It has also been discovered that the fraternity allegedly inflicted abuse on the prospective member before their official intake request was cleared with the university.
Bennett and other university officials stress proper conduct amongst fraternal organizations. Pan-Hellenic members and their advisers were required to attend a hazing/judicial workshop in November 2004. The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body of the nine black Greek organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta.
Bennett said the university tries to conduct such workshops twice a year.
"It's not like these organizations don't know what hazing is...or the consequences of partaking in it," Bennett said.
According to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.'s Web site, the NPHC defines hazing as "action that results in excessive mutual or physical discomfort, embarrassment or harassment; that such activities include, but are not limited to, paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock, morally degrading or humiliating activities, late work sessions that interfere with scholastic activities and any other activities inconsistent with fraternal law and regulations and policies of the affiliated educational institution and federal, state or local law." The organization states that these actions are defined as hazing whether it occurs on or off campus, fraternity premises or other places where members and prospective members meet.
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Inc. was last suspended in April 2002 for misconduct at a step show at Xavier University in New Orleans.
Bennett said the university is following proper protocol in this matter.
"We don't want to jeopardize anyone's collegiate career, but these sanctions are in place for things like this," Bennett said.No further information about the alleged abuse case was available at press time. Further investigation is pending by Bennett and police officials in Zachary and Port Allen.(C) 2006 Southern Digest
June 19, 2006
By Janene Tate, Southern Digest
Baton Rouge, La.
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has beensuspended from operation. The order was handed down from Robert Bennett, dean of Student Life at Southern University.
According to Bennett, between Monday, Jan. 24 and Tuesday, Jan. 25, members of the fraternity allegedly took an apparent prospective member to a hotel in Port Allen and in a wooded area in Zachary on two occasions. The prospective member was allegedly struck repeatedly on the buttocks, shoulders and back at both locations. He later reported his attacks to the SU Police Department.
"Although the young man reported the incident to us, it did not occur in our jurisdiction," said SU Chief of Police Dale Flowers. "We advised him to contact the appropriate police departments in Port Allen and Zachary.
"Bennett said the individuals who allegedly inflicted harm on the prospective member face several consequences. If individuals are indeed identified as the abusers, their charges will be handled on an individual basis. If no individual comes forward or is officially identified, the entire fraternity will face further punishment."First of all, hazing is a felony -- they (members) can be arrested. Second, they can be suspended from the university for violating the university's code of conduct. Third, the fraternity can suspend them from membership," Bennett said.
It has also been discovered that the fraternity allegedly inflicted abuse on the prospective member before their official intake request was cleared with the university.
Bennett and other university officials stress proper conduct amongst fraternal organizations. Pan-Hellenic members and their advisers were required to attend a hazing/judicial workshop in November 2004. The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body of the nine black Greek organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta.
Bennett said the university tries to conduct such workshops twice a year.
"It's not like these organizations don't know what hazing is...or the consequences of partaking in it," Bennett said.
According to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.'s Web site, the NPHC defines hazing as "action that results in excessive mutual or physical discomfort, embarrassment or harassment; that such activities include, but are not limited to, paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock, morally degrading or humiliating activities, late work sessions that interfere with scholastic activities and any other activities inconsistent with fraternal law and regulations and policies of the affiliated educational institution and federal, state or local law." The organization states that these actions are defined as hazing whether it occurs on or off campus, fraternity premises or other places where members and prospective members meet.
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Inc. was last suspended in April 2002 for misconduct at a step show at Xavier University in New Orleans.
Bennett said the university is following proper protocol in this matter.
"We don't want to jeopardize anyone's collegiate career, but these sanctions are in place for things like this," Bennett said.No further information about the alleged abuse case was available at press time. Further investigation is pending by Bennett and police officials in Zachary and Port Allen.(C) 2006 Southern Digest
Labels:
Hazing
Ex-SMU pledge testifies in man's frat hazing trial Dallas: He says he was made to guzzle water; defense denies force
Dallas Morning NewsJune 22, 2006
By ROBERT THARP / The Dallas Morning News
The "water night" ritual at a fraternity member's northeast Dallas apartment began with orders to guzzle salsa and hot sauce.
Then, Braylon Curry testified Wednesday, he and other pledges to Southern Methodist University's Alpha Phi Alpha chapter were peppered with fraternity trivia questions and forced to perform dances and sing fraternity songs. Mistakes were rewarded with demands by fraternity brothers to guzzle water, he said.
Mr. Curry said he drank 3 to 5 gallons of water that evening in 2003. He collapsed, had seizures and spent 10 days in the hospital as a result of the near-death experience.
Raymond Lee, 26, is on trial for aggravated assault in the case and faces to to 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors say Mr. Lee, who had already graduated from college at the time of the incident, was the ringleader in the hazing.
"He was pushing the jug up to my mouth and slapping me on my arms and torso – it was pretty forceful," Mr. Curry testified Wednesday during Mr. Lee's trial.
"He did most of the hitting," prosecutor Josh Healy said during opening statements. "He was the most aggressive, and he forced most of the water down Braylon's throat.
"Mr. Curry, now 23 and enrolled at Howard University, said he still suffers from memory loss and concentration problems as a result of the hazing.
After he collapsed, fraternity members began frantic Internet research on the effects of "over hydration," Mr. Healy said. They didn't call for an ambulance until Mr. Curry began having seizures, he said.
Attorneys for Mr. Lee suggested that Mr. Curry and other pledges voluntarily subjected themselves to the initiation ritual because the fraternity had an alternative method of acceptance that only involved a written application.
Attorney Ray Jackson also said that Mr. Curry was not under duress and could have stopped drinking the water at any time.
But Mr. Curry testified that fraternity members who did not go through the rituals were treated with ridicule. He said he drank the water because Mr. Lee forced the jug to his mouth.
"I got to the point that I was incoherent and had trouble standing," he said.
Four students were expelled after the incident, and Alpha Phi Alpha was banned from SMU's campus.Prosecutors said in court that it wasn't the first time Mr. Lee had been accused of going too far with fraternity pledges.
As a University of Texas at Dallas student in 2001, Mr. Lee was accused of hazing and suspended from Alpha Phi Alpha. For punishment, he was ordered to perform community service and write a paper on the dangers of hazing.
"Hazing is an act of power and control over others," he wrote at the time. "It's victimization."Testimony in Mr. Lee's trial is to resume today.
By ROBERT THARP / The Dallas Morning News
The "water night" ritual at a fraternity member's northeast Dallas apartment began with orders to guzzle salsa and hot sauce.
Then, Braylon Curry testified Wednesday, he and other pledges to Southern Methodist University's Alpha Phi Alpha chapter were peppered with fraternity trivia questions and forced to perform dances and sing fraternity songs. Mistakes were rewarded with demands by fraternity brothers to guzzle water, he said.
Mr. Curry said he drank 3 to 5 gallons of water that evening in 2003. He collapsed, had seizures and spent 10 days in the hospital as a result of the near-death experience.
Raymond Lee, 26, is on trial for aggravated assault in the case and faces to to 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors say Mr. Lee, who had already graduated from college at the time of the incident, was the ringleader in the hazing.
"He was pushing the jug up to my mouth and slapping me on my arms and torso – it was pretty forceful," Mr. Curry testified Wednesday during Mr. Lee's trial.
"He did most of the hitting," prosecutor Josh Healy said during opening statements. "He was the most aggressive, and he forced most of the water down Braylon's throat.
"Mr. Curry, now 23 and enrolled at Howard University, said he still suffers from memory loss and concentration problems as a result of the hazing.
After he collapsed, fraternity members began frantic Internet research on the effects of "over hydration," Mr. Healy said. They didn't call for an ambulance until Mr. Curry began having seizures, he said.
Attorneys for Mr. Lee suggested that Mr. Curry and other pledges voluntarily subjected themselves to the initiation ritual because the fraternity had an alternative method of acceptance that only involved a written application.
Attorney Ray Jackson also said that Mr. Curry was not under duress and could have stopped drinking the water at any time.
But Mr. Curry testified that fraternity members who did not go through the rituals were treated with ridicule. He said he drank the water because Mr. Lee forced the jug to his mouth.
"I got to the point that I was incoherent and had trouble standing," he said.
Four students were expelled after the incident, and Alpha Phi Alpha was banned from SMU's campus.Prosecutors said in court that it wasn't the first time Mr. Lee had been accused of going too far with fraternity pledges.
As a University of Texas at Dallas student in 2001, Mr. Lee was accused of hazing and suspended from Alpha Phi Alpha. For punishment, he was ordered to perform community service and write a paper on the dangers of hazing.
"Hazing is an act of power and control over others," he wrote at the time. "It's victimization."Testimony in Mr. Lee's trial is to resume today.
Labels:
Hazing
Judge Denies Motion; Fraternity Lawsuit Trial Now Set for Sept.6
Iowa City Press-Citizen
June 23, 20066
By Mike McWilliams
Iowa City Press-Citizen
A lawsuit filed by a University of Iowa fraternity seeking nearly $500,000 from UI and one of its officials, still is set for trial in September after a judge denied a motion to toss the case earlier this week.
Phi Delta Theta, 729 N. Dubuque St., sued the university and UI vice president for student services Phillip E. Jones alleging a tape recording used in a hazing and alcohol violation investigation was illegally obtained and should not have been used.
Claims against other UI officials involved in the investigation have since been dropped.
UI lawyers sought a summary judgment dismissing Phi Delta Theta's claims contending, partly, that the defendants acted in a quasi-judicial capacity and are immune from legal action.
Johnson County District Judge Denver Dillard disagreed stating that UI did not meet elements required for immunity.
"The doctrine of judicial immunity or quasi judicial immunity is not a broad and liberally applied concept," Dillard wrote.
UI revoked Phi Delta Theta's charter from 2002 to 2004. However, because the fraternity was kept off campus, was not allowed to participate in rush week and approach new members, it suffered substantially, fraternity lawyer John Maher of Cedar Rapids said.
"They were damaged so badly by it they had to close their doors for the time being," Maher said
The fraternity filed a claim with the state in July 2004 seeking more than $480,000 from UI.
Assistant Iowa Attorney General George Carroll, who is representing UI and Jones, was out of the office Thursday afternoon and unavailable for comment.
UI revoked Phi Delta Theta's recognition after investigating a former fraternity member's complaint that he and other new members were forced to drink fifths of various hard liquors in a 20-minute stretch during August and September 2001. The fraternity pleaded guilty to an alcohol charge but disputed its members engaged in hazing. UI later dropped the claim and the fraternity regained its status.
The lawsuit is set for trial Sept. 6 in Johnson County District Court.
June 23, 20066
By Mike McWilliams
Iowa City Press-Citizen
A lawsuit filed by a University of Iowa fraternity seeking nearly $500,000 from UI and one of its officials, still is set for trial in September after a judge denied a motion to toss the case earlier this week.
Phi Delta Theta, 729 N. Dubuque St., sued the university and UI vice president for student services Phillip E. Jones alleging a tape recording used in a hazing and alcohol violation investigation was illegally obtained and should not have been used.
Claims against other UI officials involved in the investigation have since been dropped.
UI lawyers sought a summary judgment dismissing Phi Delta Theta's claims contending, partly, that the defendants acted in a quasi-judicial capacity and are immune from legal action.
Johnson County District Judge Denver Dillard disagreed stating that UI did not meet elements required for immunity.
"The doctrine of judicial immunity or quasi judicial immunity is not a broad and liberally applied concept," Dillard wrote.
UI revoked Phi Delta Theta's charter from 2002 to 2004. However, because the fraternity was kept off campus, was not allowed to participate in rush week and approach new members, it suffered substantially, fraternity lawyer John Maher of Cedar Rapids said.
"They were damaged so badly by it they had to close their doors for the time being," Maher said
The fraternity filed a claim with the state in July 2004 seeking more than $480,000 from UI.
Assistant Iowa Attorney General George Carroll, who is representing UI and Jones, was out of the office Thursday afternoon and unavailable for comment.
UI revoked Phi Delta Theta's recognition after investigating a former fraternity member's complaint that he and other new members were forced to drink fifths of various hard liquors in a 20-minute stretch during August and September 2001. The fraternity pleaded guilty to an alcohol charge but disputed its members engaged in hazing. UI later dropped the claim and the fraternity regained its status.
The lawsuit is set for trial Sept. 6 in Johnson County District Court.
Labels:
Hazing
Thought for the Day - June 24, 2006
Real friends are those who, when you've made a fool of yourself, don't feel that you've done a permanent job.
--Erwin T. Randall
--Erwin T. Randall
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Thought for the Day - June 23, 2006
It is a good thing to be rich, it is a good thing to be strong, but it is a better thing to be beloved of many friends.
Euripedes
Euripedes
Thought for the Day - June 22, 2006
This is our new credo....
In one episode of 'Cheers', Cliff is seated at the bar describing the 'Buffalo Theory' to his buddy Norm. I don't think I've ever heard the concept explained any better than this...
"Well you see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive drinking of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers."
In one episode of 'Cheers', Cliff is seated at the bar describing the 'Buffalo Theory' to his buddy Norm. I don't think I've ever heard the concept explained any better than this...
"Well you see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive drinking of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers."
A leader in two areas
The New Student Body President at Ohio State is a Sig Ep. He also is open about his lifestyle.
The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State
Friends, family and supporters call Ryan Fournier a trailblazer, but the Ohio State University student is not one to acknowledge it.Change in attitude indeed!
The 21-year-old Sylvania native is the school’s first openly gay undergraduate student government president, and the first in the Big Ten since 1978.
And while he’s confident in his purpose after a few weeks on the job, Fournier said he is still figuring out his role.
"Here I am, elected by the students — all the students — to represent them, while I’m openly gay," he said. "I’m trying to find my balance, trying not to overstep my bounds."
[...]
During his freshman year, Fournier, now a junior, started a branch of the Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy group that lobbies politicians for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.
His work since might have persuaded OSU students to elect him.
"It’s not that he’s really going to bring about the change in attitude," said Adam Schwartz, 22, a fraternity brother of Fournier’s in Sigma Phi Epsilon. "I think he’s the result of a change in attitude."
The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State
UVa Students Punished in teen's Drinking Death
By Liesel Nowak / Daily Progress staff writer
June 20, 2006
Two University of Virginia students arrested in the wake of an investigation into the March drinking-related death of a visiting Cornell University student will spend time focusing on alcohol education, a Charlottesville judge has ruled.
Nicole Julianne Kiffe, 21, pleaded not guilty Monday in Charlottesville General District Court to a charge that she purchased alcohol for a minor, but agreed that there was enough evidence to convict her of the misdemeanor.
Judge Robert H. Downer Jr. sentenced Kiffe, from Great Falls, to 90 days behind bars, but suspended all jail time, and ordered her to complete 100 hours of community service in the field of alcohol abuse prevention within 12 months.
“This was a tragic case. But I have a great confidence that the commonwealth crafted a sentence that is appropriate in that it both serves the community and fits the circumstances of this case,” Downer said.
According to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania, Kiffe was being prosecuted for purchasing alcohol for Benjamin Carlton Nowak, who was charged with underage possession of alcohol.
Some of the alcohol Kiffe bought made its way to a party attended by Matthew Pearlstone, a 19-year-old Cornell student who drank himself to death.
“Since it was difficult to ascertain with certainty what Mr. Pearlstone drank and where it came from, no further charges were pursued,” Platania said.
Appearing in court earlier this month, Nowak pleaded not guilty to underage possession, but agreed there was enough evidence to convict him.
Downer ordered the 20-year-old from Virginia Beach to complete an alcohol-education class through Offender Aid and Restoration, an organization focused on inmate rehabilitation.
The punishment is common for first-time underage possession offenders.
If Nowak completes the class, the case will be dismissed but will remain on file in the courthouse, Platania said. If he fails to complete the class, the court will convict him of the misdemeanor and fine him $500 or order him to do 50 hours of community service.
Downer ordered both Kiffe and Nowak to remain on good behavior for one year.
Pearlstone, a freshman computer science major, had been visiting a friend during St. Patrick’s Day weekend when he was found dead at Cauthen dormitory. His body was discovered after he reportedly attended a party at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on Rugby Road.
The state medical examiner ruled that Pearlstone died from accidental alcohol intoxication.
June 20, 2006
Two University of Virginia students arrested in the wake of an investigation into the March drinking-related death of a visiting Cornell University student will spend time focusing on alcohol education, a Charlottesville judge has ruled.
Nicole Julianne Kiffe, 21, pleaded not guilty Monday in Charlottesville General District Court to a charge that she purchased alcohol for a minor, but agreed that there was enough evidence to convict her of the misdemeanor.
Judge Robert H. Downer Jr. sentenced Kiffe, from Great Falls, to 90 days behind bars, but suspended all jail time, and ordered her to complete 100 hours of community service in the field of alcohol abuse prevention within 12 months.
“This was a tragic case. But I have a great confidence that the commonwealth crafted a sentence that is appropriate in that it both serves the community and fits the circumstances of this case,” Downer said.
According to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania, Kiffe was being prosecuted for purchasing alcohol for Benjamin Carlton Nowak, who was charged with underage possession of alcohol.
Some of the alcohol Kiffe bought made its way to a party attended by Matthew Pearlstone, a 19-year-old Cornell student who drank himself to death.
“Since it was difficult to ascertain with certainty what Mr. Pearlstone drank and where it came from, no further charges were pursued,” Platania said.
Appearing in court earlier this month, Nowak pleaded not guilty to underage possession, but agreed there was enough evidence to convict him.
Downer ordered the 20-year-old from Virginia Beach to complete an alcohol-education class through Offender Aid and Restoration, an organization focused on inmate rehabilitation.
The punishment is common for first-time underage possession offenders.
If Nowak completes the class, the case will be dismissed but will remain on file in the courthouse, Platania said. If he fails to complete the class, the court will convict him of the misdemeanor and fine him $500 or order him to do 50 hours of community service.
Downer ordered both Kiffe and Nowak to remain on good behavior for one year.
Pearlstone, a freshman computer science major, had been visiting a friend during St. Patrick’s Day weekend when he was found dead at Cauthen dormitory. His body was discovered after he reportedly attended a party at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on Rugby Road.
The state medical examiner ruled that Pearlstone died from accidental alcohol intoxication.
Anti Hazing Bill Progressing Through California Legislature
Chico Enterprise-Record
June 22, 2006
http://www.chicoer.com/fastsearchresults/ci_3961370
Anti-hazing bill clears Assembly committee
By MELISSA DAUGHERTY - Staff WriterChico Enterprise-Record
SACRAMENTO -- An anti-hazing bill named in honor of a former Chico State University student jumped another major hurdle at the state Capitol on Tuesday when it was passed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
The committee approved Senate Bill 1454 -- better known as Matt's Law -- on a 6-0 vote, according to the office Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, author of the proposed legislation.
The bill is named for Matthew Carrington, a 21-year-old fraternity pledge who died last year during an initiation ritual in which he was required to drink copious amounts of water.
Carrington's mother, Pleasant Hill resident Debbie Smith, has been spearheading the effort to get California lawmakers on board with Matt's Law. Her first big challenge came in April when the bill was introduced to the Senate.
If approved by the Legislature, it would strengthen California's hazing law by moving it from the Education Code to the Penal Code, making the act of hazing illegal for anyone. In hazing incidents resulting in serious injury or death, it would also increase the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Smith spent most of the day Monday going from office to office at the Capitol, talking to the committee members' staff about her cause. She did the same thing months ago at the Senate level. At the time, many lawmakers had not heard of the tragic events that ended her son's life.
This time around things were different.
"Not one person had not heard his story," Smith said.
That's in large part due to the work of Smith, along with friends and family, many of whom have accompanied her to Sacramento as the bill heads through the Legislature.
About 30 supporters wore red -- Carrington's favorite color -- during Tuesday's hearing. One of them, Jim Moon, Chico State's vice president of student affairs, testified as to the university's backing of the bill.
Moon retires this summer, but he said he's committed to going to each hearing.
"As far as the bill goes, retired or not, I'm seeing it 'til the end," he said.
While Chico State is fully behind Matt's Law, much of the reason Moon makes the trip to the Capitol is to support Smith, whose complex work in the political sphere is most impressive, he said.
Smith has been overwhelmed by support that has included dozens of organizations, like the California District Attorneys Association, the University of California and the California State University.
The result of Tuesday's vote ended in tears of joy, she said.Matt's Law is aimed at punishing those who haze, but the main goal is to end hazing altogether, Smith said."It's so people don't go through ... what we have to live with forever."
June 22, 2006
http://www.chicoer.com/fastsearchresults/ci_3961370
Anti-hazing bill clears Assembly committee
By MELISSA DAUGHERTY - Staff WriterChico Enterprise-Record
SACRAMENTO -- An anti-hazing bill named in honor of a former Chico State University student jumped another major hurdle at the state Capitol on Tuesday when it was passed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
The committee approved Senate Bill 1454 -- better known as Matt's Law -- on a 6-0 vote, according to the office Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, author of the proposed legislation.
The bill is named for Matthew Carrington, a 21-year-old fraternity pledge who died last year during an initiation ritual in which he was required to drink copious amounts of water.
Carrington's mother, Pleasant Hill resident Debbie Smith, has been spearheading the effort to get California lawmakers on board with Matt's Law. Her first big challenge came in April when the bill was introduced to the Senate.
If approved by the Legislature, it would strengthen California's hazing law by moving it from the Education Code to the Penal Code, making the act of hazing illegal for anyone. In hazing incidents resulting in serious injury or death, it would also increase the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Smith spent most of the day Monday going from office to office at the Capitol, talking to the committee members' staff about her cause. She did the same thing months ago at the Senate level. At the time, many lawmakers had not heard of the tragic events that ended her son's life.
This time around things were different.
"Not one person had not heard his story," Smith said.
That's in large part due to the work of Smith, along with friends and family, many of whom have accompanied her to Sacramento as the bill heads through the Legislature.
About 30 supporters wore red -- Carrington's favorite color -- during Tuesday's hearing. One of them, Jim Moon, Chico State's vice president of student affairs, testified as to the university's backing of the bill.
Moon retires this summer, but he said he's committed to going to each hearing.
"As far as the bill goes, retired or not, I'm seeing it 'til the end," he said.
While Chico State is fully behind Matt's Law, much of the reason Moon makes the trip to the Capitol is to support Smith, whose complex work in the political sphere is most impressive, he said.
Smith has been overwhelmed by support that has included dozens of organizations, like the California District Attorneys Association, the University of California and the California State University.
The result of Tuesday's vote ended in tears of joy, she said.Matt's Law is aimed at punishing those who haze, but the main goal is to end hazing altogether, Smith said."It's so people don't go through ... what we have to live with forever."
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Thought for the Day - June 21, 2006
"Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. Any you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls -- family, health, friends, integrity -- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life."
James Patterson in Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
James Patterson in Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Thought for the Day - June 20, 2006
"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears."
-- Glenn Clark
-- Glenn Clark
Monday, June 19, 2006
What does an RD do on the road?
It's always nice to have a camera handy. You never know when a really special image will show up in the middle of nowhere. This one wa selected as a "Take your best shot" feature in the Richmond Times-Dispatch paper.
Great shot, Matthew!Matthew Hunt of Henrico drove more than 33,000 miles around the western U.S. last year as a regional director for SigEp, the largest national fraternity, based here in Richmond. During a seven-hour trip from Salt Lake City to Reno, Nev., he pointed his camera out the window to get this "house in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by 200 miles of desert pretty much on all sides," he said. "I don't understand why someone would build there. It almost gives me a Dali-esque feeling . . . just surreal. It's hard to not take a picture of that."
TimesDispatch.com | Your best shot
Thought for the Day - June 19, 2006
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
-- Unknown
-- Unknown
Sunday, June 18, 2006
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