PULLMAN, Wash. — Two Washington State University fraternities have been
suspended after a weekend fight. Members of Delta Tau Delta and Phi Delta
Theta will lose recognition and privileges pending completion of a conduct
investigation.
Pullman Police allege the fraternities were involved in a brawl that included
members hitting each other with golf clubs, sticks, bottles and flashlights. Two
individuals have been charged with assault in the first degree, and other felony
charges may be pending.
The conduct noted in preliminary reports appears to be in violation of
university regulations, the Fraternal Organization Agreement and Greek
policies. On completion of a pre-hearing review, formal hearings before the
University Conduct Board are likely.
“It is normal protocol to suspend a fraternity before the formal disciplinary
process has been completed, particularly when a fraternity has been involved
in a conduct case of this magnitude,” said George Bettas, WSU dean of
students. “If the allegations are proven, there will be serious consequences for
the fraternities involved. The kind of behavior being attributed to these two
houses is simply not acceptable at WSU.”
Bettas noted that a concurrent disciplinary process is being conducted for
individual members who are accused of being involved in the fight.
Each fraternity has been issued a letter of suspension detailing the restrictions
that are now in place. Among the restrictions, there is to be no consumption or
storage of alcohol by members, guests or alumni in either house; no
participation in rush activities nor active rush of new members; and members
of one fraternity may not have contact with members of the other fraternity.
If the fraternities are formally charged with conduct violations, discipline could
include loss of chapter recognition. Individual students who were involved in
the fight may face suspension or expulsion from the university.
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