FIJI sanctioned by UI Greek office for hazing

The University of Idaho chapter of Phi Gamma Delta has received disciplinary action for conducting hazing activities, according to UI Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Brittany Bowles.

After an investigation conducted by UI and Greek officials, the chapter was found to have violated university policy and the Greek Relationship Agreement, Bowles said.

The MU Iota chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, also known as FIJI, accepted the sanctions imposed Feb. 19 by the Office of the Dean of Students. They were outlined in a letter Bowles sent to the chapter president. Attempts to contact representatives for the fraternity were unsuccessful.

The chapter is on probation for a three-year period through the 2017-2018 academic year. The chapter president is required to meet with Bowles every two weeks as part of the probationary period. The chapter is also required to be transparent and communicate more frequently with Bowles.

“The chapter will stop the policy of secrecy, effective immediately,” Bowles said in the letter.

Bowles declined to comment on the members involved or the details of the incident.

The chapter will work with the national FIJI headquarters to conduct a member review, which should be complete by March 31. The chapter, along with the Office of the Dean of Students, will conduct educational workshops about hazing and Greek recruitment. The cost of these workshops will not be placed on the chapter, Bowles said.

The chapter facility — the house located at 600 University Ave. — will remain dry and have a live-in adviser to help oversee the chapter’s members.

The chapter is not allowed to participate in Vandal Friday events, and new members will be moved from the house to the residence halls by Feb. 28.

New members are no longer allowed to move into the house during their first fall semester. Bowles said new members will wait until the following fall semester. This policy will last through the 2017-2018 academic year, Bowles said.

Hazing is defined as subjecting a person to physical danger or harm under the assault and battery chapter in the Idaho Statutes. Hazing could include forcing a person to ingest any substance, beating or making offensive contact with a person or confining someone in an “unreasonably small” area.

The Office of the Dean of Students investigates all reports they receive regarding policy violations in the Greek system, Bowles said. They interview everyone involved to gather evidence, and if there is substantial evidence to prove there was a violation, the chapter is sanctioned by the Dean of Students.

Graham Perednia can be reached at [email protected]      

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