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Fraternities at Auburn University has decided to self-impose a ban on hard liquor after a high number of alcohol-related medical calls and conduct cases. Beginning in May, hard liquor will be banned at fraternity events held on chapter property — including date parties, band parties, rush events and big brother nights.
According to reports, Auburn’s Interfraternity Council of Presidents voted to implement the hard liquor ban, beginning May 5, 2018. The school’s IFC said the move would be a “step toward a healthier fraternity community.”
However, the liquor ban does not affect alcohol with less than 15 percent ABV. Furthermore, “well-run fraternity events held at third-party venues” will still be allowed to serve alcohol. The reason for this is because consumed alcohol at third-party venues has not been identified as a cause for the increase in alcohol-related incidents.
“We feel that there are steps that other schools have taken and steps that we needed to take to prevent a tragedy that has unfortunately plagued other universities,” said Gavin McGettigan, IFC president. “In our experience, we have observed issues with liquor consumption at parties on chapter premises, which led us to this solution.”
McGettigan said the IFC executive board, the council of presidents, Student Affairs and the office of student conduct have been working together on this initiative since the current IFC exec attended the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference in Atlanta in February.
“I am proud of the IFC for taking the lead on measures to ensure a safe environment in our Greek community,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Bobby Woodard. “That initiative is what makes Auburn students a valuable asset on campus and after they leave our campus.”
Following the ban, if a fraternity is caught with hard liquor at an event held at a chapter facility, an immediate cease-and-desist may be put on the fraternity. In addition to the cease-and-desist, a conduct case being submitted to the proper judicial authorities.
In response to incidents like these, fraternities such Phi Kappa Psi have made numerous changes to their code of conduct in an effort to address the issues that have arisen. In addition, schools such as Texas State have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
These reports come amidst similar allegations that have been made against fraternities nationwide, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon at East Carolina University, who were shut down for hazing and the Lamda Chi Alpha chapter at the University of Arkansas which has been accused of taking sexually explicit photographs of women without their permission.
In response to incidents like these, fraternities such Phi Kappa Psi have made numerous changes to their code of conduct in an effort to address the issues that have arisen. In addition, schools such as Texas State have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
