Purdue fraternity placed on cease and desist following reported Protect Purdue violations

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity at Purdue University has been placed on an immediate cease and desist by the Office of the Dean of Students, an interim action that mandates that all organizational activities be suspended until further notice. The action follows a reported basketball watch party for new members held Jan. 30 at the chapter facility.

Allegations reported to ODOS suggest multiple policy violations of the Purdue events guidelines, Protect Purdue Pledge and the Code of Student Conduct. Upon completion of an investigation, a hearing will be held with the organization to determine official findings.

In addition, the Protect Purdue Health Center has identified ATO as an organization with growing or ongoing compliance concerns, and placed the following additional restrictions on the organization through the end of the semester regardless of the outcome of the ODOS hearing: All in-person events and interactions between in- and out-of-house members, potential new members, new members and nonmembers are restricted. PPHC has reported the organization’s case to the Tippecanoe County Health Department (TCHD) as required in cases of noncompliance with health orders. TCHD continues to monitor this situation closely to see if further escalation is required.

“We expect all students, faculty and staff to be persistent in their adherence to the Protect Purdue Pledge – wear a face mask correctly and consistently, social distance and avoid large gatherings, monitor symptoms, stay home when sick and practice good hygiene,” said Dr. Esteban Ramirez, PPHC medical director. “Following these fairly simple rules will help keep all of us safe.” 

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Purdue University also has placed restrictions on the fraternity pending the investigation. The national organization of Alpha Tau Omega has been cooperative with the investigation and subsequent resolution process.