Third Kentucky fraternity...
 

Phi Delta Theta third fraternity in 5 months charged with hazing
Posted by Laura Clark on November 24, 2009
The Kentucky Kernel

Excerpt

Phi Delta Theta follows Sigma Phi Epsilon and Lambda Chi Alpha as the third fraternity in the last five months the university has charged with hazing.

Associate Dean of Students Tony Blanton said although the Phi Delta Theta and Lambda Chi Alpha charges are hazing violations, they are “different types of incidents.”

Blanton said the Office of Student Affairs was notified Thursday, Nov. 19 of Phi Delta Theta’s violation.

“We were notified by someone who would have had information that they could relate to us, but I can’t say who notified us,” Blanton said. “I don’t want to put anyone in a bad situation.”

The Kentucky Epsilon chapter president Ben Talley did not return messages from the Kernel.

Blanton said he was not exactly sure why two UK chapters were found in violation, but said it had something to do with the fraternities’ initiation schedules.

This sounds like a problem with the campus culture if three fraternities to get brought up on hazing charges in less then half a year. And isn't this the third Phi delta Theta chapter to get into trouble in a couple of months?

is this normal at a big school.

It didn't happen at Pittsburg State, so you don't have to worry too much about it.

Based on what I have heard**, and what the Associate Dean of Students has said (see article), these are “different types of incidents". To be clear, there may be issues with these three separate chapters. However, I would be hesitant to go so far as to say there is a "problem with the campus culture" at this time.

** My personal speculation is based on information from current members, current advisors, alumni and past advisors of various UK fraternities and sororities

I just find it interesting that there are so many issues, yet UK is so interested in seriously expanding the Greek system in the next three years. I don't know any specifics, but it seems that they would want to fix the current chapters before bringing on new ones...

I believe that is what they are doing. Thus the current review of two chapters and the two year closure of the third.

chopperdude;1869918: is this normal at a big school.

I think the same thing happen last year to 3 or 4 fraternities at the Univ. of Arizona if I am not mistaken.

The hazing charges seem to be in response to pledges being designated drivers.

I'm sorry, while this is considered to be hazing with most organizations, I find this to be be quite mild considering what the incident could have been (assuming this is what the incident was).