MIT Closes Very Old Local Fraternity (Phi Beta Epsilon)
 

A very old local fraternity at MIT has been closed.

See the Institute's press release at

http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge...orced-to-close

Quite frankly, it just sounds as though they can't be recognized for 4 years and can then come back. "Suspension" and "closing" are not the same thing, but the writer screwed that up. I'm sure the MIT posters will know more.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2010/pbe-suspension.html

A little more on the penalties and the process, from the Oct. 12 student paper online:

http://tech.mit.edu/V130/N44/pbe.html

^ I actually know the juror who was quoted. who It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

It's useful to mention that PBE is a local frat; derecognition from the university does not mean they cease to exist. It just means they will eventually be forced to move out, and cannot participate in events as a true member of the IFC or student group body.

Update March 5, 2011

The sanctions on the old local, Phi Beta Epsilon, have been modified.

From the MIT student paper's site for March 4, 2011:

“. . . While PBE will continue to be suspended until Fall 2014, PBE will still be recognized as an MIT fraternity. Brothers will be allowed to stay in their house on 400 Memorial Drive and will be allowed to participate in rush beginning in 2012 if they do not violate IFC or MIT policies. . . .”