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Nov. 20, 2019 University of Arizona Removes Recognition for Theta Chi Fraternity |
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NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A copy of the letter issued to Theta Chi is available by contacting Pam Scott at pscott@arizona.edu or 520-626-9422. TUCSON, Ariz. — University of Arizona officials have withdrawn university recognition of the Theta Chi Fraternity chapter following a finding of multiple violations of the Arizona Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct. The chief conduct violations were for hazing and causing significant harm to a new member. The investigation was initiated after the university received a notice of claim alleging hazing that resulted in injury. Chapter leaders had the opportunity to respond to the findings. Loss of recognition means the fraternity loses the use of university facilities and resources and cannot participate in UArizona events, effectively closing it off from the university. The Theta Chi Fraternity’s international board of directors voted unanimously to revoke the local chapter’s charter. The action closes the chapter and there will be no appeal of the university’s decision. Theta Chi’s leadership has been cooperating with the university. “I am pleased that the Theta Chi Fraternity’s board of directors and national leaders recognized the need to revoke the charter of the Arizona chapter,” said Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kendal Washington White. “Greek-letter organizations provide brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, philanthropy and community service; however, it is imperative that we ensure the health and safety of our students. Unfortunately, the actions of a few mean a lost opportunity for the other young men who sought a brotherhood.” The loss of recognition is in place through May 2025. The university’s efforts to combat hazing start with students at orientation and continue through rush and recruitment. Chapter leaders are required to submit anti-hazing paperwork to reinforce the university’s zero-tolerance hazing policy, reminding members, officers and pledges that hazing is prohibited and the consequences of causing harm. The University of Arizona is one of the few universities in the country that maintains an online listing of Greek organizations under judicial review to help students and families evaluate fraternities and sororities. It can be found at https://greek.arizona.edu/judicial and is updated each semester. ### |
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| The University of Arizona, a land-grant university with two independently accredited medical schools, is one of the nation's top public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1885, the university is widely recognized as a student-centric university and has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The university ranked in the top 20 in 2018 in research expenditures among all public universities, according to the National Science Foundation, and is a leading Research 1 institution with $687 million in annual research expenditures. The university advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships as a member of the Association of American Universities, the 65 leading public and private research universities in the U.S. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $4.1 billion annually. |
