GW imposed a three-year suspension on the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority last semester for hazing, said Tracie Anzaldi, director of Greek Affairs.
Anzaldi declined to comment on the nature of the infractions of which the sorority was found in violation.
Leaders of the Mu Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha said the University’s decision was unfair.
“We feel upset about the decision,” said Michele Charles, vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha. “We did not haze, and we were not hazed.”
Anzaldi said sanctions for hazing are imposed so that members associated with infractions will no longer be at the University when the sanctions are lifted.
“The length of suspension is often dependent on current membership,” Anzaldi said. “That’s the standard.”
Anzaldi said she did not know of any past infractions by the sorority.
Faisha Geiger, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, said the sorority immediately appealed the University’s decisions, but the appeal was promptly denied.
Charles said she was shocked by the ruling and maintains that the sorority is innocent.
“We felt that with the evidence that they had . (the sanction) is ridiculous,” she said.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically black sorority that began its GW chapter in 1978, has won numerous awards for community service, Charles said.
She said the sorority is concentrating on keeping the chapter alive through its newer members, so the chapter will apply for University recognition when it is eligible in three years.
“Mu Delta will continue to be a prominent force on this campus,” Charles said.