Purdue disciplines multiple fraternities for alcohol violations

Thanks to Doug Case for headsup

Journal and Courier
Greater Lafayette, IN
August 18, 2007

3 more Purdue frats suspended

By BRIAN WALLHEIMER and JOE LARSON

Three more Purdue University fraternities have been suspended for alcohol
violations, the day after Purdue suspended two others.

The Office of the Dean of Students reported that Kappa Delta Rho, Pi Kappa
Alpha and Sigma Alpha Epsilon held functions this week in which minors were
given or possessed alcohol. The groups also did not register their social
functions with the Interfraternity Council, a requirement.

Delta Upsilon and Phi Kappa Psi were suspended earlier this week for the
same violations.

The violations committed by at least two of the three most recent
fraternities to face disciplinary action were brought to the attention of
authorities by the Interfraternity Council’s lower board. That board exists
to help the organizations monitor themselves, according to Interfraternity
Council President Steve Holtsclaw.

“I think that it is a positive sign that the Interfraternity Council and
their lower board have not backed down,” said Pablo Malavenda, associate
dean of student activities at Purdue, about the most recent round of
pending disciplinary action.

Last year, fraternities didn’t have to register their functions with the
lower board until classes started, Malavenda said.

The IFC was on the lookout this week for functions that violate
Interfraternity Council rules forbidding events with alcohol during Boiler
Gold Rush, the university’s freshman orientation week.

“They are saying that the fraternity experience at Purdue University is
more than just alcohol,” said Kyle Pendleton, assistant dean of students at
Purdue, about the lower board’s actions.

University records show no violations for Kappa Delta Rho or Sigma Alpha
Epsilon since 2001.

But Pi Kappa Alpha was disciplined twice in 2004. Once the fraternity
received a written warning for alleged fighting and alcohol distribution
and later that year was put on probation for allowing underage drinking at
a catered event.

The fraternities are on suspension until their international offices do
assessments and submit reports to the Office of the Dean of Students and
the Interfraternity Council. Those two bodies can set sanctions such as
mandatory workshops, probation, suspension or withdrawal of recognition.

While suspended, the fraternities must cease most chapter operations.

Holtsclaw said he didn’t know if more disciplinary action against
fraternities should be expected.

“I really hope it doesn’t come to that, but at the same time we will keep
going out and making sure that the rules are being followed,” he said.

Mark Napier, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, declined to comment.