Purdue suspends fraternity for hazing violation

The university issued the suspension after an investigation into an event held at the Delta Chi house, 501 Russell St., during the final week of new member training last fall.

According to a report from the Office of the Dean of Students, fraternity members required associate members — pledges — to participate in an indoor game of tag that escalated into pushing, shoving and damage to the house. The activity, part of the local chapter's ritual, took place even though chapter advisers had asked the fraternity to discontinue the practice.

The suspension was issued, in part, because the fraternity was currently on probation for previous hazing incidents, said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students.

"Any violations of the university's hazing regulations are serious offenses," Malavenda said. "Because Delta Chi was already on probation with the university, we decided to suspend the fraternity effective immediately."

Delta Chi has been placed on a one-year probation in April for incidents during which the fraternity's associate members were verbally assaulted, subjected to pranks and deprived of sleep. Malavenda said alcohol also was provided to underage pledges.

Organizations on probation retain the rights and privileges the university grants to groups in good standing but are issued a warning and must adhere to a specific list of rules and conditions. A suspension, such as what currently faces Delta Chi, allows an organization to maintain a formal connection with the university but revokes the rights, privileges or protections the university grants to organizations in good standing. Under its suspension, Delta Chi cannot participate in university-sponsored events, such as Grand Prix; receive university funding; use university facilities for any event or activity; or use the university's logos, trademarks or name.

Under the terms of the disciplinary action, Delta Chi can petition to have the suspension lifted on Aug. 1. If the suspension is lifted, the fraternity will remain on probation until May 1, 2007, at which time the chapter may petition for full status once again.

The most recent findings and disciplinary action can be appealed if fraternity officers submit a request in writing to the Campus Appeals Board by 5 p.m. April 7, Malavenda said.

Stipulations of Delta Chi's suspension require:

• A membership review conducted by the Delta Chi national headquarters and/or alumni board prior to this spring's new member pinning ceremony.

• A new member-development program.

• New member programs that last no more than eight weeks or a length set by the national headquarters in consultation with Purdue during suspension and probation.

• That all new member activities begin after 6 a.m. and conclude prior to 11 p.m.

• That 80 percent of the chapter attends the 2006 Indiana Greek Leadership Conference.

• That Delta Chi supports the academic mission of Purdue in its behavior, programming and scholastic achievements.

• That the chapter follows all university regulations, state and federal laws, and Delta Chi fraternity requirements.

Purdue regulations define hazing as any activity that interferes with scholastic activities, creates a substantial risk or physical harm, or degrades any person. Punishments can range from a verbal or written warning to withdrawal of recognition of the student organization.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: L. Tony Hawkins, dean of students, (765) 494-1239

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

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

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