This is a developing story. The Argonaut will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
On Aug. 19, an incident at the University of Idaho Beta Theta Pi (BTP) fraternity caused 22 new members of the fraternity to move from the house to on-campus student housing.
One new member was injured in the incident, which UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker said was related to possible violations of the Healthy Vandal Pledge and Student Code of Conduct. She did not share further details on the violations.
The Moscow Police Department report stated the department responded to a call in the early morning about a male who was “unresponsive, unconscious and needing medical attention.”
According to the police report, MPD Sgt. Jason House spoke with several members of BTP when he arrived at the scene. The members stated the injured student was “totally fine” and just had a “rough night.”
House told the BTP members that EMS had arrived and needed to see the injured student for themselves. The members went upstairs to bring the student out, but came back saying he could not walk. House advised EMS enter the fraternity house and examine the student where he was.
According to the report, the student was “lying on the floor, completely unresponsive. He did not respond to sternum rubs and his eyes would not respond to the light.” EMS treated the student and transported him to the Gritman Medical Center.
BTP Vice President Brayden Pollow arrived later. House explained the severity of the situation of the situation to Pollow and other high-ranking members and “expressed (BTP members) added risk in minimizing the situation and being hesitant towards law enforcement.”
This incident is still under investigation. Neither Walker nor Interfraternity Council President Joseph Brueher were able to provide exact details on what occurred. Walker said UI hopes for a positive outcome.
To the best of his knowledge, Brueher said the 22 new members of the fraternity were moved into student housing while the incident is investigated. In addition, Brueher said UI distrusted the chapter to follow the rules and give a healthy environment for first-year students.
The new members were all freshmen, according to Walker, and Brueher said they were not yet initiated into the chapter. They were undergoing the process of learning the history and values of the chapter.
The UI chapter of BTP has 63 active members.
The new members are not allowed into the BTP chapter facility for now, since they have been suspended by the Interfraternity Council, UI and BTP’s national association, Brueher said. While the new members can continue the process of learning the fraternity’s history and values on neutral ground or online, the Interfraternity Council suspended them from all other activities, including chapter meetings and event privileges, both social and campus-related. This is subject to change depending on how the investigation proceeds.
UI’s goal is to move the students back into the chapter, if by the end of the investigation it is appropriate to do so, Walker said. She added that the health and safety of the chapter, UI students, staff and faculty and the Moscow community is the university’s primary concern.
UI is working with the Beta National Association on the investigation. The UI Student Code of Conduct does not always parallel the regulations of the fraternity’s national association, Walker said.
The national association may decide to punish the UI chapter of BTP even if UI decides not to, according to Walker.
“The actions (of BTP) don’t reflect on the other (UI fraternity and sorority) chapters when (other chapters) are doing the right thing,” Brueher said.
UI, the national association and the Interfraternity Council will determine consequences after the severity of the incident is better understood, Brueher said.
Justin Warren, the director of media relations and senior writer for the BTP Foundation and Administrative Office in Ohio, gave a statement from the BTP Foundation.
“We’re aware of a recent incident at our Gamma Gamma Chapter involving one of its new members,” Warren said. “We are working closely with the local chapter, alumni volunteers and university officials to advance an investigation into the matter and will take appropriate action based on our findings. Above all, our highest priority is ensuring Beta Theta Pi is both a positive member of UI’s community and a safe place for its members and guests.”
Dean of Students Blaine Eckles, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Nick O’Neal and BTP President Brady Govreau could not be reached for comment.
The Argonaut will update this story as details become available.
Kim Stager can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @journalismgoals.