On April 30, 2010, the Gamma Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., was delivered an unjust sentence of 10 years suspension based off accusations. The handbook states the maximum punishment for a case of this nature is 10 consecutive semesters or 5 years. Instead of following policies and procedures Chancellor Reaves has done the opposite. He has not been consistent with the punishment for the organizations on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. To add, the decision was made to remove the plots from the university which represents the organization in their absence. By signing this petition, you are in support of the Gamma Phi Chapter having their presence reintroduced back to the campus in a timely fashion. With these signatures, we can persuade the Chancellor’s mind to reconsider the punishment of 10 years. Thank you in advance for your support.

Background Information

• Winston Salem State University officials handling the matter have failed to follow the appropriate protocol and procedures during the entire process

• Decision of the 10 year suspension was made without a prior meeting, hearing, or notification of chapter members (refer to pg. 5 of Student Code of Conduct V. Notification and Hearing of Allegations letter C.)

• Chapter notified of suspension by means of a campus wide email sent out to students, faculty and staff

• Decision of the 10 year suspension was made solely off of allegations

• Treated very harshly and disrespectful during meeting with chancellor Reaves to resolve matter

• Failures have been made on the behalf of the school to respond to notices of appeal that were properly and timely sent in according to the University’s Handbook/Rules.

• Responses to appeals as well as the granting of a hearing was not done until a complaint was filed to the UNC Board of Governors

• The day of the hearing the Chapter members, Advisors and Counsel were informed that there would be no “hearing” but only a Judicial Review

• The University Policy warranted for a hearing, NOT a Judicial Review
• Upon receiving a hearing, key evidence in favor of the chapter was not allowed to be presented

• The alleged “accuser(s)” chose not to attend the hearing although given proper notice.

• Evidence presented by the University consisted of ALL hearsay from inconsistent investigation reports from the University Police.

• The University’s Policy and Rules regarding proper Hearings strictly states that hearsay is not to be admitted in the hearings

• Person(s) making hazing accusations against the organization have been found guilty of making other false accusations against organizations and individuals

• Chapter still has yet to receive any form of due process for this matter

The Gamma Phi chapter is vital to campus life of Winston Salem State University as well as the community. Gamma Phi chapter has made a presence in several ways:

Awards

• Minerva Award- highest GPA of an undergraduate chapter in south Atlantic region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On Campus Programs

• Money in the Bank- Program to inform students on ways to save money during college

• The Aftermath- Program to inform students on ways to save money post-graduation

• Style of Study- Program to inform students about different learning techniques and study styles

• Black History Bowl- Program to further African American history

• In My Own Skin- Program to encourage self confidence among women

• Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness- Program to increase awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as provide resources for victims

Community Service and Scholarships

• Book Drive- Collected books from students on campus to donate to elementary, middle school, and high school students in the community

• Reading day- Read to elementary school students at different schools in the community

• Send Your Love- Program for students to make cards to send to Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Africa.

• Coin Drive- Collected money to go towards purchasing Christmas toys for children

• Toy Drive for Salvation Army- Collected toys to donate to the Salvation Army as Christmas gifts for Children