UNC’s Chi Phi fraternity suspended

Nov. 27--CHAPEL HILL -- The UNC-Chapel Hill chapter of Chi Phi Fraternity has been indefinitely suspended for alleged alcohol violations and inappropriate activities for new members, according to the national organization's website.

The national fraternity and UNC officials jointly put an end to "all Chapter operations," according to the announcement dated Monday.

While the post referred to "alleged risk management violations," it did not name a specific instance.

David Shannon, a pledge to the Chapel Hill chapter, fell to his death last October. Carrboro police have said his death almost certainly was related to alcohol use.

As of October, a police investigation had made no conclusions regarding the possibility that hazing was involved, due in part to a lack of information, a police captain said last month.

"The University has zero tolerance for actions by individuals or groups that threaten the health, safety and well being of our students," said Winston Crisp, vice chancellor for student affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill, in a statement supporting the national Chi Phi Fraternity office's decision to suspend the chapter. In addition, Crisp said the suspension will not affect the living arrangements for Chi Phi members who live in the chapter house.

Crisp's statement, issued late Tuesday night, also pledged to continue to support the positive contributions from the Greek community at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Representatives of the local and national fraternity organizations were not available for comment Tuesday night.

___

(c)2013 The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)

Visit The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) at www.newsobserver.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services