OSU halts all social activities of 37 frats
Ohio State University has suspended all activities of all fraternities governed by the Interfraternity Council because of a high number of investigations into their conduct this semester.
The suspension of “all social, recruitment and new member activities” applies to all 37 fraternities at OSU that
fall under the IFC.
Eleven fraternities are under investigation this semester for possible violations of the student code of conduct, mostly for cases involving hazing and/or alcohol, the university said. That represents more than a quarter of the chapters and is the highest number of investigations in recent years.
“The Greek community at Ohio State has a long and rich tradition of leadership, service and brotherhood/ sisterhood. However, when individual members or organizations fail to live up to the standards and values set forth by the university, your chapters and your international organizations, the entire Greek community suffers,” said Ryan Lovell, Ohio State’s senior director of sorority and fraternity life, in a letter to IFC chapter presidents, their national organizations and others.
Lovell said “it’s deeply troubling” that 11 IFC chapters are under investigation. “This is an unacceptably high number, and the university will not tolerate behavior that puts the health and safety of students at risk.”
Lovell suspended all activities until further notice “so that the IFC community takes a pause to reflect ... Our expectation is that each chapter will develop a plan and implementation timeline to ensure that the culture of their organization is aligned with the stated values of Ohio State’s Greek community, responsibilities outlined in the university’s Code of Student Conduct and expectations of their respective national or international organization.”
During the suspension, Lovell said, Ohio State fraternity chapters may request to participate “in essential activities only,” including but not limited to standing chapter/executive board meetings and long-standing philanthropic events.
“Social activities of any kind are not essential activities, nor are any activities that include alcohol,” Lovell warned.
The 11 fraternities under investigation are Alpha Epsilon Pi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Zeta Beta Tau.
Representatives of several fraternities along “fraternity row” on East 15th Avenue declined comment Thursday night when a Dispatch reporter came to their door, including Beta Theta Pi and Delta Chi, among those under investigation.
Phi Sigma Kappa also declined comment in a response to one of numerous Dispatch inquiries sent to fraternities and IFC officials via social media and email.
At least one Ohio State fraternity, Alpha Sigma Pi, is unhappy about the suspension, according to an email response sent from its national organization.
“Alpha Sigma Phi is not and has not been under investigation for any violations of the Code of Conduct and that’s been the case for at least the last ten years,” said Gordy Heminger, president and CEO of the Alpha Sigma Phi International Fraternity, the Ohio State chapter’s parent organization. “Obviously the students in our group, who have not done anything wrong, are disappointed and frustrated that they are being punished because of the unacceptable actions of others.”
All IFC fraternity chapters at Ohio State will be required to submit to the university a list of essential activities through Jan. 7, including dates, times, locations and “the rationale behind why your organization believes the activity is essential,” Lovell wrote. The lists must be received by 4:30 p.m. Monday, and they will be reviewed. Until approval is received, Lovell wrote, “you are not to engage in any activities.”
Failure to comply with the directive may result in disciplinary action under the code of student conduct, Lovell stated. “To be direct, we expect the Interfraternity Council community to join together and become a full partner in creating a culture that truly reflects the values of the Ohio State Greek community. We need your action in making clear that misguided and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. You have our full support in this effort, and we look forward to working collaboratively with each of you and with the IFC Executive Board in setting a positive path forward.”
Many students at the Ohio Union on Thursday night said they were unaware of the university’s action taken Thursday afternoon.
Adam Supel, 20, a thirdyear student from Elyria, said the action doesn’t affect him, “but a couple of my friends are in fraternities, so it must be devastating to them.”
The North-American Interfraternity Conference, which provides support and educational resources for 66 campus Interfraternity Councils, is “ready to help Ohio State as it address the critical issues facing the campus community,” according to a statement issued Thursday night.
“We seek a path forward that enhances safety and accountability, while respecting the rights of students and chapters that live up to high fraternal standards.”