Tuesday, April 7, 1998
Alleged hazing victim in fair condition at hospital
FRATERNITY: After UCPD investigation, UCLA may take disciplinary
action
By Michael Weiner
Daily Bruin Contributor
The condition of Marshall Lai, one of the three students
hospitalized after an alleged hazing incident involving the Omega
Sigma Tau fraternity, was upgraded to fair on Sunday night.
The UCLA Medical Center released a statement saying, "Marshall
Lai, 18, is in fair condition at UCLA Medical Center. He was moved
out of ICU (intensive care unit) Sunday night and is now well
enough to get out of bed. Doctors continue to monitor his kidney
problems."
Lai is being treated for kidney failure. Derrick Koo, also an
Omega Sigma Tau pledge, was hospitalized in San Jose with similar
symptoms.
Another pledge, a 19-year-old second-year student whose name has
not yet been released by the UCLA Police Department (UCPD), was
released from the UCLA Medical Center on Thursday.
In addition to the hospital’s statement regarding his condition,
Lai has also released a statement.
"I would like to thank all the people who called, sent me
things, and especially those who have visited me. Those efforts
have helped my recovery considerably," Lai said in his
statement.
The alleged incident, in which pledges were forced to endure
hours of difficult exercises, has brought the issue of hazing to
the forefront of the UCLA community.
Robert Naples, associate vice chancellor for student and campus
life, said if the UCPD concludes that hazing took place, the
university can take disciplinary action.
"The university can take action against the organization, or
they can take action against individuals if it is determined that
there is individual culpability," Naples said.
He also said that punishment can vary, depending on the severity
of the situation.
"The range of sanctions for an organization is an official
warning to a revocation of their charter," Naples said.
The punishments for individuals can also range from a warning to
expulsion, he continued.
According to Joan Brown, associate director of fraternity and
sorority relations, all student organizations must sign a contract
stating that it will abide by the state law regarding hazing.
California Education Code defines hazing as "any method of
initiation … which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger
or physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in
physical or mental harm."
The law states that "no student … shall conspire to engage in
hazing."
Kenny Teng, president of Omega Sigma Tau, could not be reached
for comment.