BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University has issued a wide-ranging ban prohibiting fraternities and sororities affiliated with the Interfraternity Council from hosting nearly all social and group activities, citing a persistent pattern of hazing.
The order was delivered in a letter to the IFC from IU’s Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Dr. Lamar Hylton. The ban immediately suspends a comprehensive list of activities for all IFC chapters, including:
- Social events
- Events with alcohol
- Tailgates and any group activities
- Large events, including those with high-profile performers
- Philanthropy events
- Brotherhood events
- New member education
Administrative Intervention
Dr. Hylton directly linked the punitive action to ongoing conduct issues, stating, “These conversations occurred because several Interfraternity Council chapters have been accused of engaging in hazing behaviors.”
Hylton noted that IU has been engaged in discussions with the IFC for several weeks in an attempt to “maintain a safe and healthy Greek Life experience for all participants.” During these conversations, IFC chapters were reportedly offered an opportunity to apply for amnesty and seek support from chapter coaches and advisors.
“Despite this administrative support and intervention, we continue to experience unhealthy and risky behaviors from IFC chapters,” Hylton wrote.
The mass suspension follows a series of serious incidents this semester that have placed several organizations under investigation. Hylton reported that three IFC chapters are currently operating under a Cease and Desist order, with one chapter under an interim directive, and “numerous other organizations” facing investigation for alleged hazing.
“The severity of these restrictions reflects the seriousness of the misconduct allegations we have received,” Hylton wrote. “Indiana University will not tolerate activities that put our students in harm’s way or defy the law and our core values.”
In anticipation of the ban, IFC chapters had previously received a separate university message indicating that the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) had been authorized to increase its presence in Greek Life communities and expedite its sanctioning processes for violations.
The letter emphasizes the university’s authority to take this action, citing the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life Recognition Policy, which grants the campus “the right to prohibit any dangerous activities and proposed functions.”
