Brown University Punishes 2 Fraternities for Hosting Potentially Dangerous Unregistered Parties
ByTwo fraternities at Brown University have been punished for hosting parties not recognized by the school.
According to the Huffington Post, Phi Kappa Psi will be suspended four years, including housing, for hosting a party in which two students reported drinking punch laced with a date-rape drug. Sigma Chi was put on probation and will have their "University privileges" suspended until the 2016 fall semester.
Brown administrators announced the sanctions Monday in a statement, also notifying the fraternities with a letter.
"The measures we are taking this spring reflect our interest in preventing sexual assault by addressing the campus climate at Brown," read the letter. "All Brown community members need to be involved in preventing sexual violence, and all student organizations are expected to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to promote safe events and activities."
In both instances of Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Chi's unregistered parties, Brown ruled the fraternities fostered an environment conducive to sexual misconduct. Still, no member of either fraternity stands accused or charged.
"We recognize that, in the instances discussed in this letter, not all students within the organizations were individually responsible for the events that occurred. It is imperative, however, that all students take full responsibility for the behaviors of their organizations," read the letter. "The sanctions that have been imposed in these cases are emblematic of a growing recognition that the status quo of social events that place students at risk is simply not acceptable."
The Ivy League institution also said both fraternities appealed to no avail and the national organizations for both groups were notified. Thus far, it is not clear if the national organizations have meted out their own punishments.