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.

Sorority Girls Who Made Pledge Eat Garbage Headed to Court

Sorority Sisters Face Judge for Hazing Charges

The three sisters of Zeta Phi Beta sorority at Southeast Missouri State University who were charged with assault and hazing after allegedly forcing a pledge to eat garbage in February are set to appear in court Monday.

Campus police investigated incidents reported to them by the national headquarters of the sorority. They said no specific pledges came forward.

According to seMissourian.com, Darletta McKennis-Weems, 23, is accused of requiring a sorority pledge to eat food mixed together from a garbage can and for spoon feeding the concoction to the pledge on or about Feb. 4.

Ashley Moore, 22, is accused of striking the woman with a closed fist on or about Feb. 15 .

Reynolds is accused of spraying the pledge in the face with liquid from a spray bottle on or about Feb. 15.

Sorority Girls Made Pledges Eat Garbage

Prosecutor Charges Three Sorority Members with Hazing

Three sisters of Zeta Phi Beta sorority at Southeast Missouri State University were charged with assault and hazing for allegedly forcing a pledge to eat garbage in February.

Campus police investigated incidents reported to them by the national headquarters of the sorority. They said no specific pledges came forward.

According to seMissourian.com, Darletta McKennis-Weems, 23, is accused of requiring a sorority pledge to eat food mixed together from a garbage can and for spoon feeding the concoction to the pledge on or about Feb. 4.

Ashley Moore, 22, is accused of striking the woman with a closed fist on or about Feb. 15 .

Reynolds is accused of spraying the pledge in the face with liquid from a spray bottle on or about Feb. 15.

Black is the Color of Love

Black Sororities Offer 'Lifelong Love'

“The main thing that black sororities offer if lifelong membership and love," said Alpha Kappa Alpha sister Shawna Newbill from Richmond, Va.

The Tuscaloosa News reported Sunday in an article that was a primer for those unfamiliar with black sororities.

Washington State University's office of Greek life stated “It is important that each person commit to the purpose of their founders and the organization’s goal for the upliftment of the black race."

The article also identified the "divine nine" international Greek letter organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

These organizations are members of the National Pan Hellenic Council, which was formed in 1930 at Howard University, the traditionally black college.