Monday, April 13, 1998
Omega Sigma Tau suspended pending further investigation
FRATERNITY: University takes action while hazing allegations are
explored
By Mason Stockstill
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
The fraternity currently under investigation on suspicion of
hazing has been suspended pending the results of the investigation,
university officials said Friday.
The Omega Sigma Tau fraternity was suspended on Tuesday,
university officials said, after information surfaced that led the
university to launch an investigation.
Two Omega pledges were admitted to the UCLA Medical Center with
kidney failure during spring break. Marshall Lai, an 18-year-old
freshman, was placed in the Intensive Care Unit when originally
admitted, but has been upgraded to good condition.
Another pledge, a 19-year-old sophomore from Orange County, was
admitted during spring break as well, but was released soon after
admission.
Derrick Koo, a third pledge, was admitted to a hospital in San
Jose for kidney failure after the other two.
University officials suspect hazing to be the cause for the
students’ kidney failures.
Robert Naples, vice chancellor of student affairs and campus
life, has said that the pledges went through a "boot-camp
experience."
Apparently, the pledges had to endure hours of strenuous
physical activity, including running, push-ups, sit-ups and other
grueling exercises.
The fraternity will have to endure certain restrictions because
of the suspension, according to university officials.
"The fraternity will not be able to hold any official
functions," said Dan Page, university spokesperson.
Fraternity president Kenny Teng did not respond to phone
calls.
The fraternity has retained attorney Robert Kawahara to speak to
the media, but he also could not be reached.