The U's Greek Row is now short one fraternity.
The Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity removed the Utah Alpha chapter's 91 year-old charter at the U just before Winter Break for violating the group's risk-management policy.
After an allegation was reported about the hazing of a pledge, area alumni conducted an investigation. The alumni concluded that the charges were correct.
The hazing took place during initiation week, often called "hell week," when pledges become official members. After the incident the pledge left the chapter's house. He has declined to comment.
"The Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity has a zero tolerance policy regarding hazing, and that means closing chapters," said Ken Maikowski, Tau South Province President. "The chapters are well aware of this policy."
The hazing policy was covered at the President's Leadership College for new chapter presidents in January, as well as at Phi Delta Theta Leadership College in August, when a member of the U's chapter was present. The policy was also addressed individually in a letter that was sent to each member of Phi Delta Theta from the General Council President last October.
"Hazing is against the law in the United States, the state of Utah, the University of Utah and is contrary to the policies of Phi Delta Theta," Maikowski said. "Hazing is not what Phi Delta Theta is about or what we believe in."
The group is appealing the ruling to the fraternities general headquarters.
The fraternity does not have to sell their house, because the U has agreed that the chapter can reform at any time when the nationals deem appropriate, said former president Joe Rodgerson.
A facebook.com group titled "Remember the Phi Delts!" has been started in honor of the closed charter fraternity. A few students have used the message board to verbally attack the pledge in question.
Before the hazing incident, 2005 was a positive year for the group, with the chapter winning Greek Week and a member being named greek Man of the Year.
In the fall of 2004, the chapter also won All-greek Philanthropy Week by raising more money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute than any other fraternity.
This last semester the fraternity participated in service activities with P.E.E.R., No More Homeless Pets, Camp Kostopolous, Hurricane Katrina relief, Neighborhood House, the American Cancer Society, the First Presbyterian Church and the Lou Gherigs Foundation.
Two members of Phi Delta Theta were voted onto the U's Greek Council for 2006.
As a result of the chapter closing, new elections are to take place Monday, Jan. 9 for the two vacant positions, said Lori McDonald, greek adviser.
p.muir@chronicle.utah.edu
