The University of Arizona has reportedly suspended six fraternities as the school investigates a series of alleged misconduct violations involving their members.
According to media reports, Dean of Students Chrissy Lieberman sent letters to six of the university’s 30 fraternities notifying them of the suspensions.
The chapters named in the reports are Zeta Beta Tau, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Theta Xi and Phi Gamma Delta.
Among the allegations outlined in Lieberman’s letter was an especially troubling claim involving new members who were allegedly forced to consume large quantities of alcohol and live goldfish.
The letter also reportedly cited alleged hazing, creating unsafe environments for students and an incident involving the alleged assault of a student.
The allegations have resulted in restrictions on the affected fraternities while the university looks into the reported violations.
Under the suspensions, the chapters are reportedly prohibited from hosting, attending, participating in or sponsoring organizational activities. They can, however, continue holding meetings related to internal club business.
The chapter advisers are also reportedly required to meet with Lieberman as part of mandatory discussions about the alleged conduct.
The university’s action puts the spotlight back on the broader issue of fraternity hazing and student safety on U.S. college campuses.
The University of Arizona suspensions also come amid renewed attention on alleged misconduct involving fraternities elsewhere.
The development follows the so-called Cornell 7 case, in which a former Cornell University student alleged in a lawsuit that multiple fraternity members gave her ketamine and sexually assaulted her. Those allegations are part of ongoing litigation and have not been established as facts.
The Arizona situation similarly remains centered on allegations and an investigation rather than findings of wrongdoing against the individual fraternity members.
For the six suspended chapters, the immediate impact is clear: organizational activities are restricted while university officials address the reported violations and require chapter leadership to answer questions about the conduct under investigation.
