The University has extended Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity’s probation for hazing violations and violations of their probation after about a month of investigation.
Victor Felts, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Greek Affairs, said the Dean of Students and the Office of Greek Affairs have extended the fraternity’s probation through 2005 and members cannot have alcohol in the house through 2004.
Felts said before the recent incidents, Lambda Chi was on probation for fighting and alcohol violations.
The Interfraternity Council’s hazing policy defines hazing as “any instance of physical abuse, psychological abuse, or improper obligations, requirements, or time restrictions associated with or involving new members or their activities or associated with or involving any improper continuing obligation for membership.”
Felts said the University is working to establish a “no hazing contract” with each individual member of the fraternity. Although each fraternity president signs a similar contract at the beginning of the year, this is not a normal requirement for every member of a University fraternity chapter or colony.
Felts said the contracts are meant to go one step further in holding them accountable for future hazing incidents.
Although Felts said the information about the hazing incident came from within the fraternity chapter, he could not disclose further details of the violations until he spoke with the fraternity’s national headquarters. He was not able to do this before press time.
Shane Foley, Lambda Chi International Fraternity risk manager, said they are working closely with the University and the LSU chapter to continue investigating the incident and take appropriate action.
“Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is deeply saddened by the allegations regarding the chapter at Louisiana State University regarding possible hazing incidents,” Foley said in an e-mail. “The Fraternity follows strict policies regarding the behavior of its members, chapters, and colonies.”
A representative from the University’s Lambda Chi chapter was unavailable for comment before press time.