August 17, 2007
3 Purdue fraternities face discipline for alcohol, IFC violations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Three Purdue fraternities have been suspended while their case is reviewed following allegations that they violated the university's policy on alcohol as well as rules of the Interfraternity Council.Kappa Delta Rho, 1134 Northwestern Ave., Pi Kappa Alpha, 629 University Ave., and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 406 Littleton Ave., were suspended after the fraternities held functions this week at which minors were given or possessed alcohol, according to the Office of the Dean of Students.
The three fraternities held events on Thursday (Aug. 16). Earlier this week, Kyle A. Pendleton, assistant dean of students, announced that two other fraternities — Delta Upsilon and Phi Kappa Psi — were suspended for similar alleged violations.
"In each of the suspensions, the violations were brought to our attention by the Interfraternity Council's Lower Board, a student-run group that helps the fraternities monitor themselves," Pendleton said. "In the past, the Lower Board did not begin monitoring events until classes were in session. This year, the Interfraternity Council decided to have the Lower Board begin its work during Boiler Gold Rush in an effort to make the week before the start of school as safe as possible for all students."
Pendleton said the fraternities violated the regulations of the Interfraternity Council, the student-run governing and program body for Purdue fraternities, which state that no chapters are allowed to hold events involving alcohol during recruitment or Boiler Gold Rush, a weeklong orientation program for first-year students.
The fraternities also violated an Interfraternity Council regulation that requires the chapters to register social functions to the IFC, Pendleton said.
They have been placed on suspension pending the outcome of official assessments by the fraternities' international offices, which will submit a report to the Office of the Dean of Students and the Interfraternity Council. Those two bodies could then set sanctions such as mandatory workshops, probation, suspension or withdrawal of recognition.
If the chapters disagree with the findings or the sanctions imposed, they can request a formal university hearing, Pendleton said.
During the suspension, the three fraternities must cease all chapter operations other than meetings coordinated by their executive offices or appointed review committees.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Sources: Kyle Pendleton, (765) 494-1231, kap@purdue.edu
Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students, (765) 494-1232, pablo@purdue.edu
L. Tony Hawkins, dean of students, (765) 494-1239
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
To the News Service home page