Seeing Spots
Joyful Woman!
The Linda M. White Administration
September 25, 2002
Letter from the Supreme Basileus
Dear Sorors, Partners, Family and Friends: You may have seen recent media coverage surrounding the tragic deaths of two young women who drowned near California State University ? Los Angeles on September 9 allegedly as the result of a pledging incident that got out of control. I hope you will join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families of the young women. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with them during this very difficult time. While there has been public speculation that the incident involved Alpha Kappa Alpha, I want to remind you that we have no chapter of AKA at California State University ? Los Angeles. You may recall we suspended the local chapter more than two years ago over minor pledging infractions. If any individuals involved in the incident purported to represent AKA, they did so without the approval or knowledge of our organization. In fact, we are trying to determine whether the individuals involved have ever been members of AKA. We are fully cooperating with local authorities? investigation of this incident. While the details are still not clear, this is an appropriate time to review the strict anti-hazing policy we have in place, as well as our procedures to strictly enforce that policy. Our anti-hazing policy is available at www.aka1908.com. We have and will continue to enforce these procedures with all chapters.I also want to make you aware that the family of one victim has filed a lawsuit against AKA over the incident. Obviously we cannot comment on pending litigation, however, we are committed to protecting the good name of AKA and our legacy of sisterhood, service and scholarship. Be assured that AKA will continue to work toward fulfilling its commitment to service ? in our communities, across the nation and around the world. And please take a moment to reflect on this tragedy.
In the spirit of sisterhood,
Linda M. White
Supreme Basileus
September 25, 2002
Letter from the Supreme Basileus
Dear Sorors, Partners, Family and Friends: You may have seen recent media coverage surrounding the tragic deaths of two young women who drowned near California State University ? Los Angeles on September 9 allegedly as the result of a pledging incident that got out of control. I hope you will join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families of the young women. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with them during this very difficult time. While there has been public speculation that the incident involved Alpha Kappa Alpha, I want to remind you that we have no chapter of AKA at California State University ? Los Angeles. You may recall we suspended the local chapter more than two years ago over minor pledging infractions. If any individuals involved in the incident purported to represent AKA, they did so without the approval or knowledge of our organization. In fact, we are trying to determine whether the individuals involved have ever been members of AKA. We are fully cooperating with local authorities? investigation of this incident. While the details are still not clear, this is an appropriate time to review the strict anti-hazing policy we have in place, as well as our procedures to strictly enforce that policy. Our anti-hazing policy is available at www.aka1908.com. We have and will continue to enforce these procedures with all chapters.I also want to make you aware that the family of one victim has filed a lawsuit against AKA over the incident. Obviously we cannot comment on pending litigation, however, we are committed to protecting the good name of AKA and our legacy of sisterhood, service and scholarship. Be assured that AKA will continue to work toward fulfilling its commitment to service ? in our communities, across the nation and around the world. And please take a moment to reflect on this tragedy.
In the spirit of sisterhood,
Linda M. White
Supreme Basileus
