Kansas University administrators placed a fraternity on probation Friday in response to a hazing incident that landed a freshman in the hospital.

Sigma Nu won’t be allowed to host or attend parties with alcohol as part of the probation, which lasts until December 2004.

“The university absolutely will not tolerate hazing, and we are committed to eliminating this dangerous activity in our fraternity and sorority community,” said Richard Johnson, associate vice provost and dean of students.

The sanctions stem from an Aug. 13 incident in which Steven Weith, a 19-year-old freshman from Olathe, suffered a head injury during a ritual in which five fraternity members threw pledges into the air. Weith was admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and later transferred to KU Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. After being released from the hospital, he remained in the fraternity and enrolled at KU.

A panel composed of university staff and a student not affiliated with Sigma Nu investigated the incident.

One of the biggest restrictions will be the ban on parties with alcohol at the house. The fraternity also will be required to have at least two social activities before May 1, 2004, that don’t involve alcohol.

“We’re trying to show you can have fun without alcohol,” said KU spokesman Todd Cohen. “It’s an attempt to show No. 1 on the list for parties shouldn’t be to get booze. It should be something else.”

Other sanctions include:

This building at 1501 Sigma Nu Place is the home of the Sigma Nu fraternity at Kansas University, which is now on probation for a hazing incident that led to a freshman's head injury.

• Establishing one or more new traditions in connection with “work week,” when members move into their house at 1501 Sigma Nu Place, that “include creating safe and responsible activities when the work is completed.” The hazing incident occurred during a celebration at the end of work week.
• Completing a written report on house traditions to “determine whether they are appropriate and valuable.”
• Having a representative at all fraternity and sorority new-member and orientation programs and meetings.
• Prohibiting the fraternity from compiling points toward championships in intramural sports.

Cohen said KU officials would review Sigma Nu’s progress at the end of the probationary period to determine whether it would be suspended or returned to good status with the university.

The fraternity has until Nov. 1 to appeal the findings to the University Judicial Board. Patrick Redetzke, the chapter’s president, did not return phone messages left Friday.

Douglas County Dist. Atty. Christine Kenney opted not to file charges in the incident, saying state law does not prohibit individuals from hazing. Rather, it prohibits organizations from promoting or permitting hazing.

¢ 6News video: Sigma Nu fraternity placed on probation¢ KU fraternity placed on probation for hazing (10-3-03)¢ No charges to be filed in alleged KU hazing (9-4-03)¢ 6News video: No charges filed in alleged hazing (9-4-03)¢ Student injured in hazing incident (8-19-03)¢ 6News video: Alleged hazing incident occurs at Sigma Nu¢Anti-hazing policies: KU Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, KU official policy¢Sigma Nu fraternity