Purdue extends fraternity's suspension

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University officials announced Thursday (April 11) that the suspension of a campus fraternity has been extended for violating restrictions that had been placed on it.

Last November, Beta Theta Pi fraternity was placed on suspension effective until May 4 for violating university alcohol and hazing regulations. In the wake of a new investigation by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the suspension has been extended to Jan. 5, 2015. The investigation found that the fraternity participated in an early December function with a sorority and a co-op housing organization. Under the previous suspension, the fraternity could not engage in such campus functions.

"In addition to this function, we also found that the chapter continued to engage in new-member education and other activities in defiance of the previous suspension," said Jeffery Stefancic, associate dean of students. "The chapter knew what was expected and did not comply, so there will be continued consequences."

During the suspension, Beta Theta Pi cannot participate in programs with other recognized student organizations, university-sponsored activities or intramural athletics as an organization and must complete education programs.

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu