Megan Erbacher, Chris Sims and Arika Herron, Evansville Courier and Press
EVANSVILLE -- While the University of Southern Indiana and University of Evansville don't have immediate plans to join a growing list of universities and colleges who have suspended Greek life, the schools took some actions.
At USI, the Indiana Lambda chapter of Phi Delta Theta was placed on interim suspension on Oct. 26 for accusations “specifically, violations related to alcohol and hazing.”
Last Monday, Indiana University-Bloomington's Interfraternity Council, made up of fraternity members, met with chapter presidents. An IFC statement says the vote was unanimous to self-impose a three-month suspension.
"We are suspending all social activities in which alcohol is present and unsupervised new member education programs effective immediately until February 28th, 2018," said Andrew Cowie, IFC president. "During this time, we will be having active conversations with the key stakeholders in our community to arrive at concrete solutions to enhance the health and safety of this community."
This makes IU the eighth university where activities of fraternities and sororities were suspended, joining the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State and Penn State.
The allegations against USI's Phi Delta Theta, which were not detailed due to the investigation, violate the university’s Student Rights and Responsibilities: Code of Student Behavior.
An investigation into the fraternity is ongoing by USI officials, according to USI spokesman Ben Luttrull.
“Given the severity of the allegations and to ensure members’ safety and well-being, Phi Delta Theta has been placed on temporary student organization suspension until the end of the investigation and pending any subsequent disciplinary action,” a USI statement read.
During the suspension, Phi Delta Theta is not allowed to participate in any campus activities.
Phi Delta Theta has a "zero-tolerance hazing policy as well as alcohol free housing," according to the chapter profile on USI's website.
In a Jan. 23 tweet, the fraternity states: "WE WILL NOT TARNISH OUR BADGE," along with a photo supporting anti-hazing.