UI sanctions Phi Delts for past hazing
By Rebecca Sutlive
The Daily Iowan
UI officials have revoked recognition of the Phi Delta Theta chapter, saying their investigation backed up a whistleblower's allegations of hazing.
Former fraternity member and UI sophomore Omar Vejar alleged last fall he was forced to consume mass amounts of hard liquor in a short amount of time, among other activities that he considered to be hazing.
"Charges against Phi Delta Theta were substantiated by our investigation," said Dean Phillip Jones, the UI vice president for Student Services, who handed down the sanction last month. Jones had encouraged Vejar to come forward.
The sanction will prevent the group from participating in university programs, such as formal rush week and Greek week. The move also forbids the members from holding office in the Interfraternity Council. The members, however, will still be able to live in the fraternity's house.
"I don't see a difference to not belonging to the university," said Steve Snyder, the chapter's adviser. "My guys don't have to answer to the dean's office. The only things we're missing out on are formal rush, Greek week, and IFC office. We don't have the university looking over our shoulder."
The UI's sanction could last up to five years, although modifications could take place in that period, possibly leading to a shortened penalty.
"If the fraternity wants to make other proposals, we'll consider them," Jones said, though no negotiations have taken place thus far.
The UI determined "there was a basis" for the charges of hazing and subsequently the sanction, said Thomas Baker, the assistant dean of students, who headed the university's investigation.
Vejar called the sanction "appropriate," saying the investigation has forced the IFC and university administration to become more sensitive to future complaints.
"I feel this is the first step in assessing the hazing situation on campus," he said. "I don't regret having come forward and reporting what I experienced."
A police complaint, filed by Vejar in December 2001, prompted the separate investigations by the university, Iowa City police, and the fraternity itself. No criminal charges have been filed, but national headquarters put the local group on probation. That punishment included banning social events, issuing an apology for violations, and receiving education on reforming pledge activities.
Snyder said he is not convinced the hazing ever took place, although he was not involved with the fraternity at the time the instances allegedly occurred.
The university will no longer be able to enforce its policies on hazing or ban on drinking in fraternity houses for the Phi Delta Theta chapter.
"In my mind it's a Catch-22," Snyder said. "If you've got a chapter violating the rules, I'd think the university would want to monitor it more closely. Now, the university has no oversight over the chapter."
The sanction closes a chapter in the Greek system that worried Jones. He expressed wide-ranging concerns about incidents in the system on an audiotape obtained by the DI last fall.
"We're possibly going to have somebody hurt seriously or killed," Jones said on the tape.
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