FRATERNITY / SORORITY AFFAIRS Two Statements
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Update
The members of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Beta Chapter, have recently announced a collective decision to forfeit their chapter's charter to the international fraternity. In addition, the brothers have agreed to forfeit the chapter's recognition as an active fraternity at the University of Pennsylvania with corresponding membership in the InterFraternity Council.
Recognized as one of the nation's oldest Greek-letter organizations, the Bata Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity has been a Penn community partner on campus since 1882.
The members' voluntary decision to dissolve the chapter comes at a time when its long-term status on campus was being reviewed by both the University and the international fraternity.
"The brothers of Phi Gamma Delta have decided to take this action because we realize the policies we have violated. We are ready to cooperate with the University and international headquarters of Phi Gamma Delta in any way we can," said Martin Park, President of the Beta Chapter.
Ed Gabe, Director of Chapter Services of Phi Gamma Delta International Fraternity, said "Once the International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta receives written confirmation of the Beta Chapter's surrender of their charter, it is likely that the undergraduates' decision will be accepted. While the Chapter is inactive, the Headquarters and local graduate members of the Fraternity will maintain a positive working relationship with the University and the InterFraternity Council."
Sigma Alpha Mu
The Theta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu is currently under Administrative Hold from the University of Pennsylvania and a temporary suspension from the National Fraternity pending the dual investigation of allegations and violations of the current disciplinary agreement as well as violations of the University's Antihazing policy.
The disciplinary agreement was reached between the University, the National staff and the Chapter following the SAM rush event in January that included prospective members, kegs and destruction and theft from a New Jersey bowling alley. One element of that Agreement was that the Chapter could not have alcohol at any formal or informal Chapter events.
Indications are that the University's investigation should be wrapped up by the end of next week and that the National's investigation has a similar time frame. At that point, representatives from the University and the National will discuss possible strategies or actions based on the findings of fact.
--Scott H. Reikofski, Director, Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Affairs, April 8, 1999
Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 28, April 13, 1999