Zeta Phi Beta Sisters Suing Southern Illinois

Suspended Sorority Sisters Suing SIU

Three sisters of Zeta Phi Beta sorority are suing Southern Illinois University and five employees, alleging that racial discrimination played a part in their suspension following a 2004 hazing investigation.

Zeta Phi Beta sisters Monet Williams, Tequeira Johnson and Nakia Collins say the university chose harsh disciplinary measures because they were black. The university maintains that no racial discrimination took place and said the same type of discipline is used on students regardless of race.

An investigation began in 2004 after a pledge said she was hazed an hit with a wooden paddle during the sorority's initiation.

The trial is set to begin in September before an Illinois federal court, a report said.