May 18, 2005

Purdue fraternity, sorority disciplined for violating regulations

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A fraternity and sorority at Purdue have been placed on probation until May 31, 2006, for violating university regulations, according to the Office of the Dean of Students.

Delta Chi fraternity, 501 Russell St., received probation for various alleged hazing activities between September and April, and for alcohol-related violations that occurred during functions on March 4 and April 16. Pi Beta Phi sorority, 1012 State St., received probation for its part in co-sponsoring the March 4 off-campus party with Delta Chi that resulted in several arrests for underage drinking.

Both organizations received probation with punitive stipulations, which means that they must meet specific criteria laid out by the Office of the Dean of Students to avoid stricter university sanctions.

"Since the number and severity of the violations is different in these cases, each organization's probation will be different," said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students for student activities and organizations. "Both of them have some things they have to do to regain their good standing, and they both have been put on notice that other violations of university regulations are likely to lead to further sanctions, suspension or withdrawal of university recognition."

In the Delta Chi case, the Office of the Dean of Students found the fraternity responsible for hazing activities. The office was alerted to the activities through reliable, confidential complaints and launched an investigation into the organization's treatment of prospective members, Malavenda said. Among the alleged activities were verbal abuse, sleep deprivation, a regimented schedule and physical abuse that included throwing water on prospective members.

Purdue regulations define hazing as any activity that interferes with scholastic activities, creates a substantial risk of physical harm or degrades any person.

Delta Chi also was placed on probation for alcohol-related violations committed during the March and April functions. Investigations into the two events uncovered violations of university regulations and state law, including underage drinking, illegal distribution of alcohol and contributing to the delinquency of minors.

Delta Chi's probation includes the following restrictions and stipulations:

• No participation in university activities through Dec. 31, including, but not limited to, intramurals and Homecoming activities.

• Membership review conducted by the fraternity's national headquarters and/or alumni board, to be completed prior to the fall new member pinning ceremony.

• Sponsorship of a campuswide education program, including a $3,000 contribution to the Grand Prix Convocation to fund a speaker on alcohol issues.

• Submission of a new membership development program that meets the approval of national headquarters and advisers.

• Limitation of new member programs to no more than eight weeks (56 days) in duration, or of a length set by the fraternity's national headquarters and/or alumni boards in consultation with the Office of the Dean of Students.

• Initiation of new members no later than the 14th week of each semester.

• Attendance of at least 80 percent of the fraternity's Purdue chapter members at the annual Indiana Greek Leadership Conference.

Pi Beta Phi's probation includes the following stipulations:

• Sponsorship of an additional alcohol education program, approved by the Office of the Dean of Students, which must be attended by all members of the sorority's Purdue chapter.

• Attendance of at least 80 percent of the sorority's Purdue chapter members at the annual Indiana Greek Leadership Conference.

"Neither of these organization has been in trouble in the past, and the cooperation we received from both during our investigations was a mitigating factor," Malavenda said. "Both organizations have already begun to address these issues and are in the process of developing a new, more positive culture within their Purdue chapters."

Writer: Aaron Martin, (765) 496-3133, martinac@purdue.edu

Source: Pablo Malavenda, (765) 494-1232, pablo@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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