The Kappa Alpha Theta national organization has decided to close its Eta chapter at the University of Michigan, citing "serious violations" of the sorority's polices.
The KAT national office announced Tuesday its Grand Council "voted unanimously" to close UM's chapter, which had been suspended by the school for the spring 2016 semester. The KAT Eta chapter spent 137 years on UM's campus, making it the school's oldest sorority.
"Despite ongoing support and education provided to the chapter by Fraternity officers and staff, recent chapter activities constituted serious violations of Fraternity policies and were contrary to the Fraternity's basic principles," KAT said in its statement. "While Theta's presence at the University of Michigan has ended for the foreseeable future, the Fraternity values Eta Chapter's 137-year history and the many fine members who continue to be an asset to the Fraternity. Distinguished past chapter members include a Theta Foundation president and a Fraternity vice-president."
Liz Rinck, a sorority spokeswoman, gave a similar statement to The Detroit Free Press, but declined to disclose the specific nature of the disbandment. However, a school spokesman told newspaper in January, when UM handed down its suspension, the chapter was charged with hazing and underage drinking.
According to The Michigan Daily, high-ranking KAT officials visited the Eta chapter earlier this month to conduct interviews with its members. The students living in the Eta chapter house have until the end of April to move out.
"On February 10, Vice-President Mandy Wushinske and I visited campus and met with members of your cabinet and university administrators including the dean of students," KAT President Laura Doerre wrote in a letter obtained by The Daily. "At that time it was clearly stated that all members and new members of Eta Chapter were to adhere to all sanctions from the university and the Fraternity. It is disappointing that the chapter violated both the university and fraternity sanctions last week."
