Lehigh University Bans Alpha Chi Omega Chapter for Two Years
A sorority at Lehigh University has been banned for two years after an investigation concluded that they violated the university's Code of Conduct, according to CBS News. In December, according to the Lehigh Greek Community blog, on a post confirmed by ABC News to be accurate , the Alpha Chi Omega Theta Chi chapter at the Pennsylvania university is said to have hosted a scavenger hunt called Road Rally, which reportedly included "sexual activity, the use of drugs and alcohol, ingesting foods and other liquids," which violates university policy, according to the blog. Shortly after the event, the sorority was put on interim suspension by the school in December, according to ABC News, and on March 5 the University Committee on Discipline released their findings.
The activities during their scavenger hunt constitute a form of hazing, the University Committee on Discipline stated, adding that they have credible information to indicate that this is not the first time the sorority has conducted this form of activity. According to the CBS News report, the sorority and its leadership endorsed the activity and said this event has been taking place for years.
The Lehigh Greek blog originally posted on December 8, 2017) "...The current conduct history of AXO does not lead the panel to have confidence in the chapter's ability to act and demonstrate care and concern for its members, particularly related to health and safety concerns. This type of behavior is simply unacceptable considering the current climate on college campuses."
Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc. released a statement to Teen Vogue in an email, saying they are cooperating with the university investigation and conducting their own internal investigation.
"The allegations of outrageous conduct by our members in this incident led our national organization to undertake an immediate and extensive internal investigation. Following that process, we immediately rescinded the membership of nearly one-third of the chapter – the women who were most directly involved with this incident. Furthermore, we continued to cooperate fully with Lehigh’s investigation and judicial processes. Pursuant to the university judicial process, the National Council has closed our Lehigh chapter effective immediately. Our mission of empowering collegiate women demands a positive and supportive culture – and when our chapters fall short of that objective, we have an obligation to hold our individual members and chapters accountable."
In an email to Teen Vogue, Lehigh University released the following statement: "Lehigh University expects all students to uphold community standards and act in a manner that reflects the university's Code of Conduct. Violations of these expectations, which are in place to foster a safe, respectful environment for all members of the Lehigh community, will result in consequences. The scavenger hunt held by the Theta Chi chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority at Lehigh University involved the use of drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, and other activities which failed to meet these standards. Like many institutions nationwide, Lehigh University works tirelessly to address hazing and safety among Greek organizations. This is a pervasive issue on college campuses across the country and though unfortunate, when circumstances like this arise, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our expectations and address the issues in effective ways."
Related: What It's Like to Pledge a Sorority, From Hazing to Hell Week
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