Hazing allegations, arrests spur sorority’s national officers to suspend Rutgers chapter

Sorority suspends Rutgers chapter in hazing probe

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — National leaders of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority have suspended its Rutgers University chapter amid a probe of hazing allegations in which six members have been criminally charged.

The North Carolina-based sorority took the action this week after the six women were charged with aggravated hazing based on allegations they paddled prospective pledges and denied them food. Rutgers has also suspended the sorority.

Campus police say the incidents occurred between Jan. 18 and Jan. 25 and at least seven women sustained injuries. One sought medical attention.

One woman claimed she was struck 201 times with a paddle over a week.

The six women could face disciplinary action and possible expulsion under the university’s code of conduct. They are free on bail.