Purdue Interfraternity Council implements policy on hard alcohol
February 19, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The governing bodies for both the fraternity and sorority communities at Purdue University are addressing risky behavior associated with alcohol use.
The Interfraternity Council – the governing body for 42 fraternities – on Tuesday (Feb. 17) voted to ban all beverages with 15 percent alcohol content (30 proof) or more from fraternity property and all chapter events.
The Panhellenic Association – the governing body for sororities – meanwhile, adopted a resolution stating its members should refrain from consuming hard alcohol and not encouraging its purchase during functions or at chapter facilities.
“We recognize that our members are often guests at fraternity events and the Panhellenic community feels it is important to be a part of the solution,” said Bri Read, Panhellenic Association president.
Out of both legislative actions, there was only one dissenting vote.
Hard alcohol has been banned from fraternity events since 1987, but it was allowed in the facilities otherwise. The Interfraternity Council’s new policy means no 30-proof alcohol will be allowed at all.
“The Purdue Interfraternity Council places high priority on the health and safety of our students, and we feel that this policy will help keep our community and its guests safe,” said Matt Gebbie, the council’s president.
The Interfraternity Council also outlined new Fraternal Judicial Board maximum sanctions for violations. An organization’s first offense for an alcohol-related violation will carry 16 weeks of social probation, a $1,000 fine and required educational programs. A repeat offense will carry a maximum one year of probation, a $1,000 fine and educational requirements. Alcohol policy violations will be cleared from use in determining a repeat violation after two years.
Previously, there was no formal outline for sanctions, but most were related to required educational programming and/or small fines.
The council also addressed violations in community service, such as not completing a service. Chapters will face a penalty of $5 for every hour under the total service hours required, or $500, whichever comes first. The same penalty will apply to requirements for grade reports, philanthropy dollars raised and a community service reporting violation.
“I am very impressed with the community leadership and their efforts to make Purdue a better, safer place,” said Brandon J. Cutler, assistant dean of students and director of Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life. “This legislation is a wonderful example of the quality and character of our young people at Purdue and their willingness to address difficult issues as a community.”
The Interfraternity Council represents 42 member fraternities on campus. The Panhellenic Association represents 20 sororities.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: Brandon Cutler, 765-494-4880, bcutler@purdue.edu
