FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A University of Arkansas fraternity chapter has been suspended and its registration revoked for at least three years amid hazing allegations.
A letter from the U of A said that on Oct. 18, the Office of Student Accountability received a report of hazing at the Phi Alpha chapter of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), which involved the physical injury of members — a violation of the Code of Student Life.
During the investigation into the report, "additional serious allegations" of alcohol use in the pledge recruitment process came to light, the letter said. These behaviors reportedly included underage drinking, purchasing alcohol through chapter funds, and alcohol use in new member activities.
Additionally, the letter said that Fiji failed to comply with the conditions of administrative actions on two separate occasions during the investigation.
The letter claims that in total, Fiji violated four items of the student code.
A release from the university said that on Dec. 3, the U of A met with Phi Gamma Delta International and chapter members on campus to discuss the future of the chapter.
A letter from Dean of Students Melissa Harwood-Rom said that during the meeting, members were informed of the alleged violations and forthcoming punishment.
"Members were informed that after investigating allegations of Violations of Fraternal laws and policies, and after a hearing in front of fraternity officials, the fraternity officers accepted responsibility for the charges," the letter said.
The chapter will be effectively closed for three years, and all chapter activities must stop "immediately and indefinitely." Current residents of the chapter's house must move out by 5 p.m. on Dec. 13.
"The university understands the difficulties for students and families inherent in this decision and the impact it may have on future housing arrangements. For students currently residing at the Phi Gamma Delta house and those seeking to remain with their current roommates, University Housing can accommodate up to 20 students at a university managed off-campus property, The Marshall," the letter said.
Harwood-Rom said that university services including UA Cares, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Office of the Dean of Students are available to affected students.
"While I understand that this decision may be a disappointment for many, please know that the safety and academic success of your student remain at the center of our focus for the remainder of the semester and beyond," Harwood-Rom said.
Outcome
As a result of the investigation's findings, the Decision Hearing letter said the following disciplinary actions have been applied:
- The U of A revokes the rights and privileges of the organization for a minimum of three years
- The organization's return to campus requires completion of all sanctions, a letter of support from the national organization, and the approval of an application for registration
- Fiji is required to remit a $2,000 conduct assessment payment
- The organization will be removed from the Phi Gamma Delta house at the end of the fall 2024 semester. The house is closed effective immediately to all non-residents, and all residents must move out by Dec. 13. The organization must make a formal request to return to the house in fall 2029 if granted reinstatement
- The organization is responsible for all costs incurred by the U of A for closure of the house
According to the letter, the following is the timeline for removal and reinstatement:
- Dec. 3, 2024 - Revocation of university registration as a Greek Registered Student Organization
- Dec. 13, 2024 - Removal from Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house
- Oct. 31, 2027 - Submission of reinstatement application
- Jan. 1, 2028 - Eligible for official reinstatement
- Oct. 1, 2028 - Deadline to request return to Phi Gamma Delta house
- Aug. 5, 2029 - Eligible for reinstatement in the Phi Gamma Delta house
What's Next
Phi Gamma Delta residents were warned in the Decision Hearing letter to not engage in destruction or damage to the house, or any retaliation or harassment.
The letter said that anyone in the organization who doesn't agree with the U of A's response is allowed to have the matter reviewed and adjudicated in the U of A conduct system. The deadline for a hearing request is Dec. 10, 2024.
A letter from Phi Gamma Delta International said that the closing of the chapter won't affect membership, but that members "no longer have the authority or the privilege of conducting activities as a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta" and are not authorized to use the names of the fraternity in association with activities or events.
"I deeply regret that this suspension was necessary," Phi Gama Delta International Executive Director Rob Caudill said.
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