Directly after the beginning of 2022, the University of Kansas suspended two Greek organizations for fraternity hazing. Lawrence, Kansas, police officials desire information about the action taken by the university. KU has taken the position that it will not share the investigation report with law enforcement.
Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Delta Theta have both been suspended by KU for five years. University administration suspended these organizations as the result of fraternity hazing incidents. Examples of the fraternity hazing that resulted in the university taking significant action against these Greek organizations includes:
- Sleep Deprivation
- Forced Workouts
- Destruction of Pledges' Property
- Retaliation against whistleblowers who reported fraternity hazing to KU officials
The university did respond to the administration’s decision not to share information from its investigation with local law enforcement. According to KU spokesperson Erinn Barcomb-Peterson:
Students always remain free to pursue criminal charges, and if they would seek to do so, we would provide appropriate assistance. However, we will not take control away from a victim by triggering a criminal investigation the victim does not want.
At least one pledge of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity was seriously injured as a result of hazing. This pledge was thrown against a locker. As a result of the assault, the pledge suffered a concussion.
Other Phi Gamma Delta pledges were forced to sleep in beds that were ridden with:
- Trash
- Urine
- Vomit
Phi Gamma Delta was cited with violating these provisions of the KU Code of Conduct:
- Behavior that violates the core value of Respect — Harm to Persons: causing physical harm or endangering the health or safety of any person.
- Behavior that violates the core value of Respect — Hazing: engaging in hazing of another person for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continuation of membership in any organization operating under the sanction of the University. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any action, activity or situation which recklessly, negligently or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, welfare
Phi Delta Theta fraternity pledges did not fare any better. These young men were subjected to:
- Broken Personal Items
- Mattresses Thrown Through Windows
- Other Harassment
The university specifically cited Phi Delta Theta for violating these provisions of the KU Code of Conduct:
- Behavior that violates the core value of Respect — Harm to Persons: causing physical harm or endangering the health or safety of any person.
- Behavior that violates the core value of Respect — Retaliation as defined as any behavior, direct or indirect, taken to or attempt to harass, intimidate, or improperly influence any individual associated with the student conduct process or any other University grievance or complaint process.
- Behavior that violates the core value of Community — Abuse of Conduct Process: a student interferes with, attempts to or improperly influences the established student discipline procedures or process of the University
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