UNC fraternity suspended amid alcohol and hazing allegations

Nov. 27--CHAPEL HILL -- The national Chi Phi Fraternity, along with UNC-Chapel Hill officials, have placed the Alpha-Alpha chapter of Chi Phi on suspension this week, amid alcohol and hazing allegations.

The statement released by Chi Phi Fraternity national headquarters said the UNC-Chapel Hill chapter's operations, includeing meetings and social events, will cease until the fraternity's judicial process is concluded.

"The suspension is a result of alleged risk management violations including alcohol violations and inappropriate new member activities," according to the statement.

UNC Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Winston Crisp issued a statement Tuesday, saying the university will support the national fraternity's decision and cooperate fully with the investigation.

"The university has zero tolerance for actions by individuals or groups that threaten the health, safety and well-being of our students," Crisp said in the statement.

The suspension will not affect living arrangements for Chi Phi members, and the university will continue to offer the same services and support during the final exam period next month, according to the university.

"Each year, members of the Greek community play a vital role in campus life and the social and educational development of our students, and we will continue to encourage these positive contributions," Crisp said in the statement. "At the same time, we expect the students in fraternities and sororities to adhere to the high standards of behavior consistent with the university's values, and we support activities designed to further those aims."

Chi Phi was under public scrutiny following the death of UNC freshman David Shannon, who died after falling from machinery at Carrboro's Ready Mixed Concrete Plant Oct. 27, 2012. Shannon was a pledge in Chi Phi, and his alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit for drivers, according to an autopsy report.

Neither the Chi Phi national headquarters nor the UNC-Chapel Hill Alpha-Alpha chapter, could immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

UNC spokeswoman Susan Hudson confirmed Crisp's statement in a Daily Tar Heel article which also reported Pi Lambda Phi fraternity at UNC-Chapel Hill also is under university investigation, but Crisp couldn't comment further on the severity or type of allegations made.

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