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IU suspends Phi Kappa Psi fraternity

Posted at 7:13 PM, Dec 22, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-23 20:36:45-05

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- An Indiana University fraternity surrendered its charter over the weekend – the second IU fraternity to be suspended this semester.

In a statement released Tuesday, Phi Kappa Psi fraternity officials said the Indiana Beta Chapter at IU had voluntarily surrendered its charter based upon a "collaborative discussion and agreement" with IU and alumni leadership.

"This suspension is due to members taking part in conduct which violated the Fraternity's standards and expectations with regard to risk management, and which contradict The Creed and values of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity," fraternity officials said in the release.

IU spokesman Mark Land said Tuesday the chapter was "found responsible for violations of the student code of conduct related to hazing and drug use"

The fraternity said all of its activities on campus had been suspended, and the chapter house would remain vacant until the fall 2017 semester. Current chapter members will be restricted from chapter activities once it reopens.

"Decisions to suspend a chapter are among the most difficult a Fraternity's leadership and staff must make; decisions which are not taken lightly," fraternity officials said. "Nevertheless, when circumstances dictate and the best interests of the Fraternity are at risk, suspension will be considered in partnership with the campus and the chapter's alumni leadership."

The fraternity is the second to close a chapter at IU this year – and the second Phi Kappa Psi chapter suspended statewide in the last two years.

RELATED | At least 7 fraternities closed in Indiana since 2015 | National office of Alpha Tau Omega closes IU chapter following sex video

In October, Alpha Tau Omega closed its IU chapter following the release of a graphic video purportedly filmed during fraternity activities.

Indiana University said ATO had been suspended "pending investigating into hazing activities which perpetuate sexual misconduct."

Butler University suspended its chapter of Phi Kappa Psi for three years in 2014.

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