Sonoma State fraternity suspended from campus for five years

February 1, 2019

(Rohnert Park) – On Nov. 20, 2018, Sonoma State University was notified of alleged hazing activities that occurred at an informal chapter event of Tau Kappa Epsilon. SSU’s Office of Student Conduct and the TKE International Office conducted a joint investigation of these allegations. As a result of the investigation, it was affirmed that hazing did occur in the form of paddling and intimidation.

These actions are violations of the SSU Student Code and California State Title V. As a result of these findings, the Tau-Beta chapter of TKE has been suspended from Sonoma State University for five years. The suspension is being administered in partnership with the TKE International Office.

“The actions of one chapter greatly impacts the positive work of the other 1,500-plus fraternity and sorority members on SSU’s campus,” said SSU Dean of Students Ryan Jasen Henne. “Sonoma State takes pride in being a leader in higher education that supports student success, and we simply will not tolerate blatant violations of our Student Code.”

Sonoma State University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, said Henne. Members of the campus community are expected to be engaged citizens, to be civil to one another and to contribute positively to student and university life, and to uphold the Seawolf Commitment demonstrating: Integrity, Respect, Excellence and Responsibility.

The fraternity’s suspension is effective as of today, Feb. 1, and will conclude on Jan. 31, 2024.

ABOUT US: With a student population of 9,300, Sonoma State is a regionally serving public university committed to educational access and excellence. Guided by our core values and driven by a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, Sonoma State delivers high-quality education through innovative programs that leverage the economic, cultural and natural resources of the North Bay. See more news from SSU at http://news.sonoma.edu/  

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Paul Gullixson