OXFORD, Ohio -- Two fraternities at Miami University, Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Tau, have been suspended following investigations into allegations of hazing and alcohol violations.
A third fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, was also suspended, but its appeals process is currently pending, a university spokesperson said.
The suspensions are effective immediately. Miami has been investigating numerous Greek organizations since it got 21 complaints in February related to the new-member "rush" process in January, according to university spokeswoman Carole Johnson.
Pi Kappa Phi was found responsible for violating Miami University's the Code of Student Conduct for dishonesty, prohibited use of alcohol and hazing. Its suspension lasts until Jan. 1, 2017, and all members are shifted to "disciplinary alumni status," which prevents them from participating in Greek activities for four years.
“Miami has no tolerance for hazing,” said Jayne Brownell, vice president for student affairs. “There is no excuse for behavior that risks the health and safety of fellow students.”
Miami has suspended Phi Kappa Tau until May 15, 2019. According to a news release, the chapter will be eligible to submit a reorganization plan no sooner than Nov. 1, 2018, and no current members or candidates will be permitted to be part of the reorganization.
University spokeswoman Claire Wagner said despite the recent attention on fraternities at Miami, the suspensions don't reflect Greek life as a whole.
"We have some 50 fraternities (and sororities), so that tells you that more than 40 are doing good things and doing well,” Wagner said.
As president of Miami's Interfraternity Council, Zach Scheid told WCPO in September 2015 about plans to push for a fraternity- and sorority-wide boycott of any party that does not follow a Greek policy mandating stricter oversight of parties after three additional fraternities were suspended last fall.
Miami has a sophomore residency requirement with a fraternity exemption. Because the chapter is temporarily closing, 26 sophomore members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity will move to campus for the remainder of the semester. No sophomores were living at the Phi Kappa Tau house.
Click here for a summary of facts and figures for Greek life at Miami.
The national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity issued this statement regarding the chapter's suspension.
