U of A Fraternity Suspended

A University of Arkansas fraternity chapter has been suspended from campus for four years after a 2003 hazing allegation that is now the basis for a lawsuit. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity`s Fayetteville campus chapter are accused of beating a pledge so badly he had to be hospitalized for two broken ribs and a ruptured kidney. Former Arkansas track athlete Kyle Cleveland of Conway filed the lawsuit February 10 in Washington County Circuit Court, exactly one year after he said the hazing occurred. Cleveland is suing the fraternity, the university and members of the Arkansas board of trustees. Cleveland, who now runs track at Alabama, accuses the university of failing to supervise the chapter and to ensure a safe environment for students. Cleveland`s lawsuit contends that the fraternity`s national organization knew about hazing and physically abusing pledges. According to the lawsuit, the former Little Rock Fair athlete, seeks a jury trial and compensatory and punitive damages for medical bills, pain and suffering and mental anguish.