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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