BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University has disciplined five fraternities with cease-and-desist orders in the past month for hazing incidents. The university is now cracking down on fraternity socializing to prevent even more dangerous behavior.
IU's Office of Student Life restricted the 27 fraternities within the Interfraternity Council from hosting social events. Three of the five fraternities disciplined by IU are part of the IFC: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Chi Phi, and Phi Kappa Psi.
"The severity of these restrictions reflects the seriousness of the misconduct allegations the university has received," IU Vice Chancellor of Student Life Dr. Lamar Hylton wrote in a letter released on Monday.
The letter states that in addition to the three fraternities on cease-and-desist, one fraternity is on an interim directive and several others are under investigation for alleged hazing behaviors.
Fraternities are no longer allowed to host:
- Social events
- Large events and events with high-profile performers
- Philanthropy events
- Events with alcohol
- Tailgates and any group activities
- Brotherhood events
- New member education
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor said the Housing Operations and Assignments office has been directed to deny all exemptions from first-year students who are requesting to break their housing contracts to move into fraternity houses.
"The risk is too high to continue this arrangement given the status of the IFC community," wrote Dr. Hylton.
Students who have already received an exemption and are already living in their houses are allowed to stay, according to the letter.
"Hazing hurts people, and wanting to be a part of an organization should not put you in a position to have mental or physical harm placed upon you," said Todd Shelton of the Hazing Prevention Network, a non-profit anti-hazing group based in Fishers.
Shelton believes IU's sweeping discipline could backfire because of how widespread it is.
"If you're sanctioning a whole group of organizations, whether or not they were participating in hazing, then you're likely going to discourage reporting down the road," Shelton said. "Students are afraid they're going to impact organizations that are not involved."
The Vice Chancellor continued to say that the following activity is still allowed under the new rules:
- Continue chapter operations
- Hold internal accountability standards meetings
- Update your new member education plans
- Engage in community service activities with an outside agency (these should be reviewed by your Chapter Coach)
- Donate to the Toy Drive
- Gather in small groups as individual friends – but not as an organization
- Participate in intramurals
- Hold elections
- Transition officers
- Attend OSFL awards
- Complete required programming
The letter says organizations that violate these new rules will face additional scrutiny and enhanced consequences, including charges of organizational misconduct.
Dr. Hylton concluded the letter with this warning:
"This is a critical moment for the Interfraternity Council. The severity of these restrictions reflects the seriousness of the misconduct allegations we have received. Let me be unequivocally clear: Indiana University will not tolerate activities that put our students in harm's way or defy the law and our core values. Your ability to thrive, and frankly, to continue as organizations on this campus, hinges on your collective and immediate dedication to accountability and safety. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is here to support your efforts. The responsibility to act is yours. I expect you will demonstrate to us that you are committed to the health, safety, and respect of every member of the Indiana University Bloomington community."
