The graduate chapter now known as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Psi Zeta Chapter was established in 1955. The first chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., in Los Angeles was organized in 1937. The charter members were: Sorors Helen Chappel Smith, Gertrude Blassingale, C Pear, Jocelyn Watkins, and Vivian Boswell Fisher. Shortly thereafter, five additional ladies were initiated into the chapter. Together these ten began to put Zeta on the map in Los Angeles through implementing and promoting the ideas of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Community Service. Due to this continued growth a graduate chapter was chartered in Los Angeles: Beta Eta Zeta. Soon, a second graduate chapter, Gamma Sigma Zeta was chartered. The graduate chapters tried to work cooperatively and independently; but soon realized the many benefits of working in unison. Thus in 1955 in separate chapter meetings, in the home of Soror Marjorie Ellis, the Sorors of Beta Eta Zeta and the Sorors of Gamma Sigma Zeta voted to merge into one chapter, later to be chartered Alpha Psi Zeta. In the past 60 years, Alpha Psi Zeta Chapter has continued to grow and lead the way in Service, Scholarship, Sisterhood, and exemplifying Finer Womanhood. Official Statement Against Hazing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., has a membership intake policy, which forbids all forms of hazing. Each prospective member is advised in writing that membership in Zeta does not require subjecting oneself to hazing. Prospective members are directed to refuse to participate in any hazing activity, and are directed to report all hazing and hazing attempts to the proper authorities. The International President has the authority to discipline any member who does not follow the written intake procedure or violates the sorority’s policy against hazing. This authority includes the power to suspend and the power to set conditions for reinstatement. Each prospective member is informed that hazing is against the sorority’s rules. Prospective members are directed to walk away from any hazing activity, and to report all attempts to haze to the proper authorities. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., cooperates with all civil and university authorities in the investigation of all alleged hazing incidents. Members and prospective members will be held responsible to the sorority for violations of policies against hazing and the sorority will pursue to the full extent allowed by law to obtain indemnification for damages caused by the activities of the members or prospective members who participate in illegal, unauthorized or prohibited conduct despite notice to refrain from such conduct.
