The Kappa Alpha fraternity has been temporarily suspended following an alleged hazing incident, according to a statement released by the MU News Bureau.

Police were dispatched to the Kappa Alpha fraternity house at 1:46 p.m. on Sept. 29, Columbia Police Department. Police say an 18-year-old subject was transported to a local hospital by ambulance for alcohol poisoning. The investigation is currently ongoing.

It is unclear at this time how long the fraternity will be suspended.

“We don’t have a timeline on that,” MU spokesman Christian Basi said. “That will depend on how long the review or investigative process will take.”

While under suspension, the fraternity is banned from using university facilities or participating in social events, such as Homecoming. However, the suspension will not impact the ability of individual members to attend classes or participate in academic activities.

The incident will be investigated by the Office of Student Conduct, which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to hold a hearing. The organization will have an opportunity to appeal the decision if it disagrees with what is found in the hearing.

Hazing is defined by the MU Student Handbook as “an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or an act that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm to any person within the University community, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”

Kappa Alpha released a brief statement Monday supporting MU’s decision.

“Misuse of alcohol and hazing are each contrary to our values and are strictly and expressly prohibited by Kappa Alpha Order. We are in close cooperation with the University in this situation,” said Jesse Lyons, assistant executive director of the national Kappa Alpha Order.

The Interfraternity Council and MU’s Kappa Alpha chapter declined to comment on the incident.

_Edited by Emily Gallion | egallion@themaneater.com_