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A fraternity at the University of Texas at Arlington is being investigated for allegedly providing alcohol to minors. As a result of the investigation, Phi Delta Theta was asked to halt all activities on campus. This is the third fraternity this semester to receive disciplinary action from the university.
One of the suspended fraternities, Phi Gamma Delta, is suspended until 2021, while the other, Sigma Phi Epsilon, is suspended until 2020. Both fraternities are said to have provided alcohol to minors, with one allegedly also providing access to drugs.
Sana Syed, a spokeswoman for UTA, said the fraternity is being investigated “for an unregistered event that includes the allegation of alcohol to minors.” Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters in Ohio issued a statement saying it is “aware of the investigation … for risk management violations.”
“Since learning of the investigation, Phi Delta Theta has been working in conjunction with university officials and local alumni to conduct an investigation. Phi Delta Theta will hold the chapter and members accountable for any violations of fraternity and university risk management policies,” the statement read.
This is the latest major fraternity or sorority suspension in the last year, as schools such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State and Penn State have all suspended fraternities in the wake of hazing and alcohol deaths.
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 was shut down for hazing and the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at the University of Arkansas which has been accused of taking sexually explicit photographs of women without their permission.
