Arkansas
University of Arkansas’ Phi Gamma Delta fraternity chapter shut down for hazing, other violations | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
FAYETTEVILLE — Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University of Arkansas is closed for at least three years, the university and the fraternity’s national headquarters confirm.
On Oct. 18 the university’s office of student accountability received a report the chapter “engaged in hazing behaviors, including those that involved the physical injury of its members, in violation of the Code of Student Life,” says a letter from the university’s division of student affairs to the fraternity chapter’s president.
“As part of the comprehensive investigation into these allegations, which was conducted collaboratively with the Phi Gamma Delta national organization, additional serious allegations regarding the use of alcohol in the recruitment pledging process were reported, including underage consumption, purchasing alcohol through chapter funds, and alcohol use associated with new member activities.”
The national organization of the fraternity concurred with the university’s findings, documents show.
“On November 21, 2024, the Archons of Phi Gamma Delta conducted a trial of the Phi Alpha Chapter following allegations of violations of Fraternity laws and policies,” says a Dec. 3 letter to the local chapter from the fraternity’s Lexington, Ky., headquarters. “Both the Archons and the University of Arkansas imposed a temporary suspension on October 25, 2024.”
“The Archons unanimously found the Chapter guilty of all charges,” the fraternity organization’s letter says.
“In determining an appropriate sanction, the Archons considered the severity of the charges, the recent conduct history of the Chapter, testimony of Chapter officers and graduates, and considerations with the University,” the headquarters letter says. “Their decision was to permanently suspend the charter of the Phi Alpha Chapter effective immediately, closing the Chapter. This means that all chapter activities must cease immediately and indefinitely.”
The local chapter may apply for reinstatement after three years, the university’s notifications say, but reinstatement after that time will require approval from the national fraternity.
“Additionally, the Phi Alpha chapter house will be closed to non-residents immediately,” the national fraternity’s letter says. “Brothers living in the chapter house will be required to vacate no later than Friday December 13. The University of Arkansas will provide additional information for residents of the house, including alternative housing arrangements for the spring 2025 academic term.”
“You are no longer authorized to initiate members, nor are you authorized to use any of the names of the Fraternity (Phi Gamma Delta, Fiji, Phi Gam) in association with group activities or events.
“Any brothers who violate these terms could be subject to expulsion from the Fraternity and/or litigation for trademark violations.” The national fraternity’s letter is signed by Rob Caudill, executive director.
Local fraternity chapter members were informed of the university’s and the fraternity’s decision at a meeting Tuesday evening, according to a letter dated that day from the university to parents and guardians of local chapter members. Phi Gamma Delta national members joined the meeting by remote access, the letter to parents says. Local alumni members of the chapter were also present, according to the letter.
“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 to parents says. “The fraternity officials determined that the appropriate sanction was to suspend the charter of the Phi Alpha Chapter, effectively closing the Chapter for, at minimum, three years.”
The Phi Gamma Delta chapter at UA was sanctioned in 2021 for hazing, according to a university disciplinary letter at the time.
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After a cool/chilly morning that started in the 40s and 50s, Tuesday will warm to the upper 70s and low 80s with nothing but sunshine all day long.
There will be a weak front passing through Arkansas on Wednesday. There will briefly be a few clouds along the time the front actually passes through. But once the front clears, it will once again become sunny.
Starting Friday and lasting through the weekend and into next week a strong south wind will set up. That will warm Arkansas into the mid and upper 80s and introduce a higher level of humidity. It will feel a little like Summer this weekend. Rain chances will return to Central Arkansas starting on Sunday.
With a big upper-level system and cold front approaching early next week, the rain and thunderstorm chance will go up Monday, Monday night and Tuesday. Some strong to severe storms may occur Monday evening. The front will become stationary on Tuesday which will prolong the rainy period and overall help the drought situation Arkansas is facing.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Purple is the color of the month in Arkansas, and Lupus Awareness Month is bringing a busy stretch of events, including a mayoral proclamation and a smooth jazz concert featuring acclaimed saxophonist Merlon Devine.
A proclamation for Lupus Awareness Month is set for 6 p.m. in North Little Rock, with Mayor Hardwick expected to present it. Organizers encouraged lupus warriors and supporters to come out.
Anita Boone, President of the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas Inc. and a former lupus warrior, described the day-to-day reality of living with the disease: “One minute you’re feeling amazing, the next minute your body is saying we can’t do this.”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, described during the interview as a condition where the immune system attacks the body “inside out.” It can affect organs throughout the body, including the brain, lungs, heart and kidneys. Boone also shared personal impacts, saying, “I am losing, actually, ear from hearing, just because of lupus.”
The Lupus Foundation of Arkansas is also inviting the community to a Lupus Smooth Jazz Concert this Sunday, May 17, at 3:30 at The Space with Grace event venue, 2005 Main St., North Little Rock.
Gale Davis, committee chair for the Lupus Smooth Jazz Concert shared details about the concert.
Davis said guests are encouraged to “dress to impress,” though formalwear isn’t required. The event will include a photo backdrop, light hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and sponsored tables aimed at networking. It’s also a chance for people to meet other lupus warriors, learn more about the foundation’s work, and watch a video presentation highlighting events from the past year.
The featured artist, Merlon Devine, was described as an acclaimed saxophonist known for a soulful, smooth jazz sound, with a career spanning more than two decades and performances across the country and around the world. He’s also an Arkansas native who attended Little Rock Central High School. He now lives in Southern Maryland, outside Washington, D.C.
Davis said Devine’s connection to lupus is personal. She said his father had lupus and has since died, though he didn’t die from lupus. They also said Divine had a sister who died from lupus in 1981 and that he currently has two sisters living with lupus.
She also shared that, according to his doctors, Devine was born with acute asthma and underdeveloped lungs. His latest single, released last year, is called “Mercy.”
Tickets must be purchased online and will not be sold at the door. They’re available online by clicking on the flyer. Prices are $40 for individual tickets, or $400 for a table of nine, with an option to sponsor a table.
Organizers also noted another proclamation is planned for the Little Rock side with Mayor Frank Scott tomorrow, and encouraged people to follow the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas on social media for updates.
The concert will take place this Sunday at the Space With Grace Venue in North Little Rock.
ASHLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — An Arkansas man died after crashing a dirt bike on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Arkansas man, formerly from Newaygo, crashed into a tree while riding a dirt bike on private property in Ashland Township near Grant on Sunday before 2:30 p.m., according to Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers.
Emergency responders tried to save his life but he died at the scene.
Troopers are still investigating but do not suspect drugs or alcohol as factors in the crash.
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MSP did not initially release any additional information.
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