December 3, 2019
Martin Cobb, Director of Communication
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
martin.cobb@archive.beta.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at Auburn University

OXFORD, OHIO, December 3, 2019 – Following violations to the university anti-hazing policy and a resulting period of suspension handed down by the local IFC and reaffirmed by campus officials, Beta Theta Pi today is announcing the closure and disbandment of its historic chapter at Auburn University.

The activities that led to this result were serious and included alcohol, physical abuse and servitude, many or all of which spanned several years and defied multiple interventions from the university, alumni and General Fraternity.

“These violations establish a dangerous pattern of behavior and a level of operational risk that is not acceptable for any Beta chapter, much less one with the history and esteem of Delta Zeta,” said Fraternity General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73. “Consistent with the Fraternity's position against hazing and unsafe social practices, the Fraternity is moving to disband Delta Zeta to best protect the health and safety of its members, as well as the long-term reputation and future of Beta Theta Pi at Auburn.”

Originally founded in 1964, Delta Zeta was home to 164 undergraduate Betas at the time of closure. The chapter’s charter will remain suspended and in care of the Board of Trustees throughout this period of disbandment, which will last at least four years, as agreed upon with university administration.

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Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 10,000 undergraduate members on 140 campuses across North America, 136,000 living-alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

 

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