SAE's to face trial Jan. 16
by David Clementson / senior writer
At a court appointment Monday, a trial date of Jan. 16 at 2 p.m.
was set for two students charged with alleged hazing crimes last
week.
The Harrisonburg Police Department arrested and charged Sigma Alpha
Epsilon members juniors Edward Price and Daniel Manner with six
counts of hazing each at the SAE house Nov. 27 at 2:30 a.m. Members
of SAE could not be reached for comment.
Director of Fraternity/ Sorority Life Sheila Williams said that
SAE is currently under a "cease and desist" order from
both JMU and their national chapter, whereby they may not have any
chapter meetings, functions or events. This order has kept SAE from
formally initiating their pledge class, Williams said.
Williams said she believes Greek organizations are informed about
the consequences of hazing. "I believe the outcome of Sigma
Chi's hearing was very firm and fair and sent a clear message
that hazing would not be tolerated within our community. In addition
to Sigma Chi's hearing, there have been numerous meetings and
discussions among our fraternity/sorority leaders regarding hazing
and the devestating effects it has on our organizations and the
need for it to stop altogether."
In addition to possibly losing their charter and being sued by the
national organization, Williams said that SAE could be guilty of
a misdemeanor or felony in criminal court.
According to State of Virginia Code 18.2-56, "the president,
or other presiding official of any school, college or university,"
must expel a student "found guilty of hazing or mistreating
another student so as to cause bodily injury," and present
her or him "to the grand jury of such city or county convened
next after such report is made."
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