BU sorority suspended for alleged hazing

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Sigma Delta Tau, a sorority at Boston University, has been suspended pending a hazing investigation by police and the university. This is just the latest in a series of troubling incidents on the school’s campus.

The alleged hazing incident involved underage drinking off the school’s campus. School officials said three girls drank to the point where they needed an ambulance to bring them to the hospital.

“It’s very confusing because most sororities pride themselves on not hazing,” said Jamie Mascarenhas, a student at BU. “We all were sent letters about it saying that they’re not allowed to participate in any activities.”

Police said the sorority members were spotted being carried down Ashford Street in Allston. Still, university officials say when it comes to hazing it doesn’t matter if it was on school ground or not.

Students say Greek life is normally held in high regard around campus.

“I got to the philanthropy events and try and support all the charities because I think it’s really good for them to do,” said Patricia Fleischman, a BU student.

As the investigation continues, members of other sororities said it’s not something they’ve heard happening at BU before.

“I haven’t really heard anything, any specifics, anything really, but I don’t want it to reflect poorly on Greek life because it’s not representative of us as a whole,” said Christina Moccia, a member Delta Gamma, a sorority at BU.

Moccia says her sorority has a strict “no hazing policy” and the dean meets with all Greek and sports organizations at the beginning of the year warning them about the school’s no hazing policy.

Some students said the school was right to suspend the entire sorority, while others say they don’t’ understand why the sorority is responsible for the actions of a few members.

“Hazing is like bullying. There’s nothing...Unless they were forcing her to drink, I guess that would be hazing,” said one BU student.

“When stuff like that happens you’ve got to have a strong reaction on part of the university and I think they’re doing that,” said a student at BU.

According to the Daily Free Press, the university’s school newspaper, campus police believe a fraternity may also be involved. That fraternity has not been identified.

The alleged hazing incident is the latest in a series of troubling allegations involving BU in the last few months. Two hockey players have been arrested and kicked off the team since December. Corey Trivino was charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery, and Max Nicastro was charged with sexual assault.

The school has called a task force to look into the culture of the hockey program.

Student leaders will do their own investigation. Officials say Sigma Delta Tau could face possible sanctions before they decide if it can be reinstated.

7News reached out to the president of Sigma Delta Tau, but have not heard back.

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