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The University of Florida has placed the Beta Theta Pi fraternity on probation after being accused of giving minors alcohol at a summer party.
According to reports, the Florida chapter of Beta Theta Pi had been placed on probation until December 14 after they allegedly served alcohol to minors during the Summer semester.
In a letter written by Mick Earley, the Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution associate director, the university stated that they hold student safety “paramount” and will not tolerate behaviors that jeopardize the ability of our community members to find success in a positive way.
As a result of their probation, the fraternity can only attend five on- or off-campus events where alcohol is served, including tailgates, homecoming events, and socials. Additionally, fraternity members and guests are not allowed to drink alcohol at events that have not been approved by the Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
Furthermore, the chapter must create plans to address risk management, social events and safely hosting events with alcohol and present the plans to its members.
Finally, the fraternity has until November 23 to invite a law enforcement officer to talk to the chapter about the legal risks of underage drinking and what to do if someone has too much to drink.
The suspension of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Florida is the latest major fraternity or sorority lawsuit, investigation, suspension or closure in the last year, as schools such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Wake Forest University, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State University, 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 Lambda 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, West Virginia University, and Penn State University have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
