Theta Chi - 135 Underage Drinkers - Indiana State U

[exlurker]

The story below says the chapter president feels the chapter is "worried about the consequences it might face from Student Judicial Programs and Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters." Note also that the story references a previous non-Greek-related police bust for alcohol (looks like it isn't just Greeks targeted or publicized).

From the Indiana State U paper:

Police issue 136 tickets at Theta Chi party

By Kati McQueen
Indiana Statesman
October 27, 2004

Local, state and excise police ticketed 135 minors for illegal alcohol consumption at a party held at the Theta Chi fraternity house, 812 Oak St., at 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

One of the minors was also ticketed for possession of false identification, and an adult was ticketed for inducing minors to possess alcoholic beverages, an Oct. 25 Excise Police news release stated.

Pat Fulford, an Indiana Excise Police officer, said the party was brought to the attention of police when officers saw several people carrying alcohol into the house.

Fulford said several minors were seen drinking alcohol and urinating in the backyard. Inside, the officers found a guest list at one entrance, where the fraternity was charging $10 for admission.

William Turner, an Indiana Excise Police officer, said the names of people involved have not been released yet because the tickets have not been turned in to the Terre Haute City Clerk's Office as of Tuesday.

The tickets require the individuals to appear in court on various dates in December, he said. If the individuals fail to appear in court, bench warrants can be issued for the apprehension of offenders.

Fulford said he thinks about 150 people were at the party at the time of police arrival and guessed that the majority were ISU students.

"I only came into contact with one person who wasn't a student at ISU and he was from Ohio and was visiting his girlfriend," he said. "I would guess that 99.9 percent were ISU students."

Bill Mercier, ISU's Public Safety director, said, "One hundred and thirty six is the largest number I've seen in the four years I've been here."

Mercier said ISU Public Safety will give Student Judicial Programs the report in a couple of weeks.

"We'll get a copy of the [police] report in about two weeks," he said. "We'll go through it and see what students are involved, and then we'll pass it on to Student Judicial [Programs]."

Bonita McGee, director of Student Judicial Programs, said, "We'll look at the alleged violation and see if it is an issue with individuals or the group itself."

McGee said the board will consider a number of factors to determine charges against individuals or the group.

"We'll look at the number of people involved, the amount of alcohol, the levels of intoxication and see if they were cooperative with the police. We'll also find out how the incident caught attention from the police," she said.

Section III of ISU's Code of Student Conduct states there are four types of disciplinary action that can be applied to a student organization.

The charges may be dropped if there is insufficient evidence or if there is evidence that shows the organization is not guilty. The organization could also be issued a conduct warning, which would notify the group that its conduct doesn't meet the university's expectations.

A third possible punishment is probation. During this status, certain restrictions could be placed on the group, which could keep the group from participating in campus-wide events, such as Homecoming festivities.

The final punishment the fraternity may face is a review of its registration. In this situation, its title as a student organization could be in jeopardy and be revoked. A formal review request could also be sent to the group's national affiliates.

If the group is charged with violating the Student Conduct Policy, McGee said charges will be written against the fraternity's president and its members.

McGee said the fraternity can enter a plea form and accept responsibility or they can deny responsibility and request a hearing with the University Judicial Board.

Al Perone, director of Student Activities and Organizations, said, "The Student Judicial Board will make the decision about what happens to the fraternity, and I trust that they will come up with the appropriate sanctions."

Theta Chi President David Spalla said the fraternity is worried about the consequences it might face from Student Judicial Programs and Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters.

"We're worried about what's going to happen, but we'll have to work it through with the IHQ (International Headquarters)," he said.

Dave Westol, the executive director of Theta Chi fraternity, who works at the International Headquarters in Indianapolis, said the fraternity's president is required to submit a report of the incident 36 to 48 hours after the event.

"They (the fraternity members) have confirmed that a large social gathering took place, which violates the alcohol-free housing policy, but the guys have been up-front with the details, and that's a positive thing," Westol said.

After Westol receives the report, a second report, along with a disciplinary recommendation, will be given to the Theta Chi Risk Management and Standards Committee.

"The committee is composed of alumni and two undergraduates, and they will determine what happens to the fraternity," Westol said.

Mercier said this is the second time an underage group has been caught drinking in five weeks.

The last bust was Sept. 24 when 79 minors were cited for illegal alcohol consumption at "The Vault," an underground residence at 633 Cherry St.

One juvenile was also cited for minor alcohol consumption, while one adult was ticketed for furnishing alcohol to minors. Another adult was cited for sale of alcoholic beverages without a permit and possession of alcohol for commercial purpose.

A Sept. 28 Excise Police news release stated that officers observed several young-looking subjects entering "The Vault" residence through an alley door and determined that the residents were charging admission at the door.

All of the minors and adults were scheduled to appear in Terre Haute City Court this month, but further information was not available at press time.

Fulford said there are two ways for groups to have social gatherings and be legal.

For example, he said temporary beer and wine permits can be purchased, but a licensed bartender must serve the alcohol to people over 21. Groups can also hire a caterer to serve alcohol.
. . . <SNIP>

[PsychTau]

Inside, the officers found a guest list at one entrance, where the fraternity was charging $10 for admission

Isn't that a FIPG policy violation? For some reason I'm thinking that you can't charge admission to an event where alcohol is present, but I don't know exactly where I read that....

PsychTau

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by PsychTau
Isn't that a FIPG policy violation? For some reason I'm thinking that you can't charge admission to an event where alcohol is present, but I don't know exactly where I read that....

Pretty sure you're right -- plus I would think that the fraternity would have to have a liquor license since it is, for all intents and purposes, selling alcohol.

Got a feeling this chapter is in for big trouble.

[madmax]

What if the party was BYO? Maybe it was $10 to enter the door and the chapter provided food and a band.

135 minors were cited but I didn't see any mention of who provided the beer.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by madmax
What if the party was BYO? Maybe it was $10 to enter the door and the chapter provided food and a band.

135 minors were cited but I didn't see any mention of who provided the beer.

I hope you're right -- but I doubt it.

[Tom Earp]

It just seems that no matter what loop wholes We as Greeks Try to Do, We are goung to get into trouble

Responsibility still Lies with us as Greeks.

Basically, We as Greeks are going to be regulated out of Business in one frame or another!

[Oxboy1]

My poor brothers! Charging is a way bad idea opens up to many other violations. The guest list is a good idea though. At UCD people get us confused with Theta Xi all the time so it helps having documentation of who was there.

[mmcat]

sigh....135 tickets tells you something...

[AlOX952]

As the Socal who threw this party....I was great while it lasted...but It was not worth it.....We learned a big lesson last weekend....Trust me If your a dry Chapter or Fraternity....Dont risk it.....Its not worth it..