Phi Gamma Delta, otherwise known as FIJI, has been suspended at University of Nebraska-Lincoln until 2020. The university suspended the fraternity until 2020 for instances of “reckless alcohol use, hazing, and inappropriate sexually based behavior” that violated the Student Code of Conduct.
According to a university spokesman, evidence collected by the University of Nebraska showed occasions physical and mental hazing of pledges over a period of time.
The fraternity came under further scrutiny following a January Women’s March in which attendees said members of FIJI shouted sexually inappropriate comments outside of the chapter’s house. Witnesses said members chanted “no means yes” as well as other inappropriate euphemisms in response to chants from marchers raising awareness of sexual assault. The allegations led to a Title IX investigation.
However, now Phi Gamma Delta board members are questioning the university-led investigation that resulted in the three-year suspension.
Via Lincoln Journal Star:
John Osterholm, who spoke on behalf of the 14-member FIJI board, said UNL obfuscated the investigation, creating a complicated and confusing situation for Phi Gamma Delta that made it difficult for members and a lawyer representing the chapter to “obtain even the most basic information.”
Omaha attorney Todd Kinney, who represents the chapter, said the fraternity was exploring options to appeal the suspension.
FIJI also said the university acted with indifference at protests against the fraternity following the Women’s March, and that members were labeled as “racists and rapists without justification,” according to Osterholm.
As part of the suspension, freshmen members of the fraternity can no longer live in the fraternity’s house, lowering the active members in the house from 60-65 to about 40-45.
