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Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Ends Pledging Process

Sigma Alpha Epsilon logo

SALISBURY, Md. (AP) - A fraternity suspended for hazing a Salisbury University says it has eliminated the pledging process for members.

The Salisbury Daily Times reports the new policy took effect Sunday and affects all of Sigma Alpha Epsilon's 226 chapter and 15 colonies nationwide.

In a statement posted online the fraternity says it will treat all members "equally and fairly" regardless of their tenure.

A Maryland Senate committee has been examining the hazing practices at Salisbury University. Lawmakers say they are considering increasing criminal penalties for hazing.  Allegations at Salisbury include keeping pledges in dark basements without food and having pledges stand in a tub of ice water in their underwear.

Salisbury University has suspended the fraternity until summer 2015.

A Bloomberg investigation found 10 deaths at Sigma Alpha epsilon chapters ince 2006.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.