This semester, 20 Greek life organizations were on some form of disciplinary status, including eight that were suspended in years past, according to the IU Office of Student Life.
Of the 20 organizations that faced disciplinary status this semester, 15 faced discipline for hazing, 10 for endangering others and nine for alcohol. Organizations can be placed on disciplinary status for multiple acts of misconduct.
By comparison, in addition to organizations suspended in years past, 13 organizations were on disciplinary status in the fall 2022 semester, and 11 were on disciplinary status in the spring 2023 semester. No organizations were suspended during the 2022-23 academic year.
In addition to the eight organizations whose suspension from prior years carried over into this semester, two organizations were suspended this fall by their national chapters: Delta Upsilon was suspended Nov. 27 for endangering others and hazing, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated was suspended Dec. 6 for dishonest conduct, hazing and retaliation.
Suspended organizations must cease and desist all activities and disband, according to IU’s definitions of disciplinary statutes. Both fraternities were on cease and desist prior to their suspensions. Delta Upsilon’s cease and desist was for endangering others and hazing and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated’s cease and desist was for hazing.
Additionally, three organizations were placed on cease and desist, including Kappa Sigma on Aug. 15 for alcohol, endangering others and hazing. Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated were placed on cease and desist for hazing on Oct. 10 and Oct. 27, respectively. All three organizations were ordered to suspend all organization activities until further notice.
“A cease and desist is an interim measure that restricts a student organization’s operations when there is an immediate or substantial threat of harm and/or ongoing investigation,” Mark Bode, IU executive director for media relations, said in an email. “This interim measure will remain until the reported matter is resolved through the Organization Misconduct Process, or until it is determined that there is no longer an immediate or substantial threat of harm.”
Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Theta Chi and Zeta Beta Tau are on disciplinary probation under conditions stated in writing. Any violations of the conditions or further acts of misconduct while under probation could result in additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, according to IU’s definitions of disciplinary statutes.
Alpha Phi and Chi Phi organizations entered into voluntary agreements with the Office of Student Conduct to resolve matters regarding violations of OSFL policies, according to the Office of Student Life.
In addition to the suspensions and the three indefinite cease and desists, three organizations will be on disciplinary probation for the entirety of the spring semester: Pi Kappa Alpha for alcohol, Theta Chi for hazing and Zeta Beta Tau for alcohol, hazing and non-compliance with Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life policies.
The Office of Student Conduct investigates reports of hazing based on the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct’s definition of hazing and other code violations, and it accepts anonymous reports of hazing on its website.
“Indiana University takes reports of alleged policy violations seriously,” Bode said in an email. “The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life has implemented a number of initiatives over the last several years aimed at creating a safer and healthier community, including the implementation of policies and required prevention programming. Indiana University encourages students to report any behaviors that may violate Indiana University policy.”
