"Up until the fight happened, we were having a very successful Rush Week"

[hoosier]

Fraternity fight changes the face of Rush Week
By Shalee Liston
Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Article Tools: Page 1 of 1
The Utah Interfraternity Council is investigating an alleged fight that occurred between members of the Beta Theta Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Chi Fraternities at the top of Presidents' Circle, last Friday.
Fighting broke out during Bid Day after a member of an unidentified chapter grabbed one of his fraternity's flags and ran into a group of late arrivals from another chapter, IFC President Spencer Ricks said. That late-arriving group was Beta Theta Pi, according to Lori McDonald, greek council adviser.
Other fraternities then started "chanting inappropriate words" directed at the chapter that showed up late, according to Ricks.
McDonald said police finally gained control of the situation with help from other students at the event and Dean of Students Stayner Landward.
"It rose to the point where they were blocking traffic," McDonald said. "The police and other students separated Sigma Chi from the others and basically told the chapter members not to cross the line."
According to McDonald, no one was seriously injured during the fight. Chapters involved "will have to face consequences for their behavior" ranging from a fine to restitution to probation.
"I am very disappointed in the men that were involved and I believe that they are all disappointed in themselves and ashamed of how they handled the situation," she said.
Though it is unclear at this time if more chapters were involved, McDonald said she believes the scuffle included more than just the three fraternities.
"The investigation will continue until all responsible are reprimanded for their behavior," she said.
As a result of the incident, Greek Recruitment Week will be structured very differently next year, McDonald said.
"Only a few chapter officers will come and pick up new members from a location," she said. "That marked the end of the entire chapters picking up their new members."
Ricks added that the fighting was a "stupid action" that is not condoned by the greek system.
"Up until the fight happened, we were having a very successful Rush Week and it is very unfortunate that it had to happen," he said.