There were 20 IU student organizations on disciplinary statuses this fall, including nine whose suspension had carried over from past semesters.
Fifteen of the 20 organizations faced disciplinary status this semester for hazing. IU defines hazing as “any conduct that subjects another person, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or psychologically, to anything that may endanger, abuse, degrade or intimidate the person as a condition of association with a group or organization, regardless of the person’s consent or lack of consent,” according to the IU Office of Student Life.
Nine organizations faced disciplinary status for misconduct involving alcohol, and eight for endangering others. Three organizations have faced disciplinary status for sexual harassment.
During the fall 2023 semester, 20 student organizations faced some sort of disciplinary status. During the spring 2024 semester, 15 organizations faced this status. Two organizations were suspended during the 2023-24 academic year. Delta Upsilon was suspended on Nov. 27, 2023, for endangering others and hazing, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. on Dec. 6, 2023, for dishonest conduct, hazing and retaliation.
Most recently, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. joined the list of nine suspended student organizations from previous years when it was suspended Nov. 15 for dishonest conduct, endangering others, physical abuse and hazing. The fraternity was previously on cease and desist as of Oct. 27, 2023, for hazing.
According to IU’s definitions of disciplinary statuses, IU requires the student organization to cease and desist all activities and disband after suspension. An Administrative Conference Panel will propose a length of suspension, which is ultimately decided by the dean of students. Administrative Conference Panels are created on a case-by-case basis made up of undergraduate students from the Sorority and Fraternity Judicial Board. Suspension-level cases may be moved to a hearing, in which a case will be filed, and disciplinary action will be decided.
This semester, two organizations were placed on cease and desist — the Indian Student Association on Oct. 1 for hazing and alcohol, and Sigma Chi fraternity on Nov. 5 for hazing. Cease and desist is “an interim measure placed upon certain aspects of chapter operations when there is an immediate threat or ongoing investigation,” according to IU’s definitions of disciplinary statuses.
Sigma Phi Epsilon entered into a voluntary agreement effective Oct. 29, 2024, through Dec. 18, 2024, to resolve a matter regarding alcohol and a failure to comply with university policies.
Four organizations are currently on disciplinary status. Alpha Kappa Psi, Beta Sigma Psi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon were placed on elevated disciplinary probation following conditions stated in writing. Zeta Beta Tau was placed on disciplinary probation effective May 11, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.
“Probation includes a warning that any violation of the conditions, or any further acts of misconduct, will result in additional sanctions, which may include suspension or expulsion from the university,” according to IU’s definitions of disciplinary statuses.
Three different organizations were placed on disciplinary status until sometime this semester: Kappa Delta Rho, Kappa Sigma and Theta Chi.
In addition to the list of suspensions, two organizations will remain on disciplinary status until Dec. 31, 2025. Beta Sigma Psi was placed on elevated disciplinary probation Aug. 23, 2024, for alcohol, controlled substances, endangering others, hazing, sexual harassment and lewd and indecent conduct. Sigma Alpha Epsilon was placed on elevated disciplinary probation April 5, 2024, for dishonest conduct, hazing and non-compliance with OSFL policies, but it will be reduced to disciplinary probation on Jan. 1, 2025, and remain on probation for the entirety of 2025. Alpha Kappa Psi will be removed from elevated disciplinary probation — for hazing, bullying and sexual harassment — Dec. 31 and will face disciplinary probation from Jan. 1, 2025, to May 9, 2025.
Hazing is the most common reason for IU student organizations to be placed on disciplinary status. According to IU’s Office of Student Life, The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is committed to eliminating hazing by supporting prevention education efforts. Students are encouraged to report any incidents of hazing to the Office of Student Life website, where information can be submitted anonymously.
