Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University is aggressively conducting an investigation into a possible psychological hazing incident and underage drinking by the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity. The University has immediately suspended the group.

“As soon as I was made aware of the situation, I ordered a full investigation and asked that it be completed as soon as possible,” said WKU President Gary Ransdell. “The University does not condone any form of hazing or underage drinking and I expect substantive consequences if these allegations are found to be true. We will take prompt and decisive action by the end of the week.”

Dr. Ransdell continued: “I am very disappointed that members of Alpha Gamma Rho, a national social and professional agricultural fraternity with a century-long legacy of integrity and decency, would embarrass WKU and the agri-business profession by apparently exercising such poor judgment.”

Gene Tice, vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Services, said his staff, led by Howard Bailey, associate vice president for Student Affairs, is conducting the University’s investigation into the incident and met with an AGR national investigator who arrived on campus Friday to initiate his own investigation.

“AGR’s investigator and WKU’s staff are committed to resolving this very quickly. I am pleased with their attitude and commitment,” Dr. Tice said. “We met with several members of the local fraternity this weekend and will continue this week. All 29 members of the fraternity will be interviewed to collect as much factual information about that night as possible. We need to sort through all the information to make an appropriate decision on the future status of the organization and the students involved.”

WKU’s Greek houses are alcohol free. This is AGR’s second violation of this policy. WKU may take away AGR’s status as a student organization permanently if the results of the investigation indicate such severe action is merited according to Charley Pride, director of Student Activities. “Neither alcohol consumption at Greek houses nor hazing will be tolerated,” he said.

Bailey indicated that any disciplinary action taken by WKU will depend on whether members involved were acting individually or as part of the organization.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

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