NC State Chancellor make first public comments about Sigma Nu hazing allegations: ‘Deplorable’
RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell publicly addressed allegations of hazing involving the university’s Sigma Nu fraternity chapter for the first time Thursday, saying he was appalled by details included in recently released warrants.
Howell reiterated that NC State has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing and said students found to have violated that policy will be held accountable.
“Number one, NC State does not tolerate hazing, period. Let me say that. Number two, as chancellor, my responsibility, and the responsibility of chancellors across the system and the country, is to make sure students are safe and well. That’s the most important thing,” Howell said.
The warrants released as part of the criminal investigation describe video evidence investigators say shows a Sigma Nu pledge being kicked in the side of the torso by other people, with a white, powdery substance in front of the pledge’s face.
Investigators also allege they obtained video showing a man being told to vomit into the mouths of two other people.
The allegations prompted Sigma Nu’s national organization to suspend the NC State chapter indefinitely. Sigma Nu members were also required to leave campus this week.
Howell thanked Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman and NC State police for their work on the investigation.
“I’ll go a step further to say that when I read the warrants, deplorable. Period. I want to thank Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. I want to thank our police department. I want to thank our folks at the university who are working on these cases right now,” Howell said.
