KU Interfraternity Council expels fraternity

KU’s Interfraternity Council Judicial Board voted unanimously to expel Phi Kappa Theta and asked the national office to revoke its charter, which the office did within a few weeks.

The fraternity is appealing the ruling. Expulsion means the 35-member fraternity will cease operations as a fraternity and lose all membership privileges for an indefinite period of time. The decision means Phi Kappa Theta cannot have any social or recruitment events, and it will not be recognized as a fraternity. Its 35 members are barred from joining any other fraternity. This is the first time the IFC has expelled a fraternity.

Police cited nine members of the fraternity Feb. 19 after responding to noise complaints about an unregistered event at the house, 1111 W. 11 th St. The judicial board investigated the event, which involved violations of IFC alcohol and recruitment policies, in a hearing Friday.

“The message is very clear: The punishment for such willful violation of the rules will always be severe and swift. We absolutely will not tolerate such dangerous behavior,” said Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success at KU. “I was very disturbed by the allegations, but I am gratified and very proud that the students in the Interfraternity Council took the situation seriously and meted out the strongest penalty available to them. They are to be commended for upholding the IFC’s and the University's high standards.”

All KU Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA) member chapters are required by University policy to operate in a manner consistent with all University, local, state and federal laws and policies concerning the sale, purchase, serving or consumption of alcohol. The organizations are also required to abide by alcohol policies established by the councils.