PURDUE WITHDRAWS RECOGNITION OF FRATERNITY

Tim Burke, Manley Burke, tburke@manleyburke.com

Recent news reports indicate Purdue University is stepping up actions against those fraternity chapters who encourage or require underage drinking by their members.

In November, the Phi Kappa Theta Chapter, which was already on probation, was told that they would lose their university recognition as a result of an event where pledges were encouraged to take part in a drinking game.  A 48 ounce bottle of malt liquor was required to be consumed while duct-taped to the hand of a new member.  While new members were given the opportunity to opt out, only three did.  It is clear that giving members or pledges the opportunity to opt out of hazing or illegal drinking is not a defense.

The fraternity has appealed the loss of recognition.

In December, Delta Upsilon was suspended after a social event where hard liquor purchased with Chapter funds was provided to minors.  A university spokesperson positively commented on the way the national fraternity had “stepped up” to deal with the Chapter following the imposition of the sanction.