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The University of Iowa has announced their decision to shut down four separate fraternities — Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, Sigma Nu and Sigma Alpha Epsilon — due to allegations of hazing and alcohol violations.
According to University of Iowa officials, the suspensions of the fraternities began on November 2, provided the school with an opportunity to look into the allegations brought the university’s attention.
As a result of the internal investigation, the following fraternities were placed on probation until the fall of 2019: Acacia, Beta Theta Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Sigma Pi.
Due to the suspensions, the University of Iowa won’t recognize the fraternities and they will not get the same funding that other student organizations.
The university said that the students have until January 11 to appeal the university’s decision.
Melissa Shivers, the University of Iowa vice president for Student Life and interim chief diversity officer, released the following statement about the university’s decision:
“The University of Iowa is very proud of the fraternity and sorority system, but we have high expectations. We’re responsible for students’ health, safety, and well-being, and that’s something we will not compromise.”
The removal of Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, Sigma Nu and Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Iowa is the latest major Greek life suspension, expulsion, disaffiliation, or overhaul 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 for various reasons.
Fraternities have been suspended or expelled across the nation as Greek life organizations and universities attempt to grapple with the pitfalls of hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual assault.
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 or expelled fraternities for various reasons.