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The University of Arizona has shut down their chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity due to multiple violations of the student code of conduct.
According to a press release from Friday, July 27, the university says that Kappa Sigma Fraternity violated the Arizona Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct and therefore “must cease all activity on the UA campus.”
UA says that the chapter will have the ability to appeal the university’s decision until August 14 and will be able to propose a plan to reinstate the fraternity in May 2023 as long as no current members are affiliated with the fraternity.
via KGUN 9:
“This behavior is unfortunate, dangerous and not reflective of the university’s values,” said Kendal Washington White, UA dean of students, in a statement. “Our 600 student organizations play a significant role in the retention and graduation of students via fellowship, leadership opportunities, philanthropy and scholarship, preparing students for the workforce, and continued service in the community.”
This is the latest major fraternity or sorority investigation, suspension or closure 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.
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 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.
