On April 24, 2014 a disciplinary conference was held before Sharon K. Basso, to adjudicate the charges filed in two cases against Lambda Chi Alpha:
Case: 2013315405
Respect for Community J1 (Encouraging Others)
Encouraging or facilitating others in actions that violate the Code of Conduct.
Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
Respect for Others (General)
Lehigh University expects that all students will act in a civil manner that reflects maturity, social responsibility, and respect towards others and the Lehigh Community.
Respect for Others F1 (Other Conduct)
Other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person or group of people. This would include the possession or storage of weapons, explosives, fireworks, or other materials that could be harmful to the members of the community or the community as a whole.
The incident these charges were related to is described below:
An underage student was provided significant amounts of alcohol off campus at a party co-sponsored by Lambda Chi Alpha and the Men's Soccer Team.
Case: 2013313001
Respect for Community I1B (Social policy - 1.D.11.a - Irresponsible Distribution of Alcohol) Violating the Lehigh University Social Policy 1.D.11.a (11. Irresponsible distribution of alcohol is prohibited. a. Any occasion where the atmosphere or circumstances are such that the intended or likely outcome is to either abuse alcohol or become intoxicated. Examples of irresponsible distribution of alcohol include but are not limited to kegs, funnels, shot parties, hotel parties, Beirut games, pong ball, scorpion bowls, chugging contests or other organized drinking games.)
Respect for Community I1A (Social Policy 1.A.8 - Unregistered Party) Violating the Lehigh University Social Policy 1.A.8 (Any occasion deemed to be an event with alcohol that has not been registered with the Dean of Students Office will be considered an unregistered social event and will be subject to disciplinary action. - See the policy for specific definitions).
The incident these charges were related to is described below:
LUPD responded to the house for an unregistered party. When they arrived they heard loud noises and
music coming from inside the house. Alcohol was present (beer and an empty vodka bottle). Security
guards saw 68 people leave the facility.
The chapter was found responsible for the charges in both cases. As a result of this behavior the following sanction(s) will be imposed:
The chapter is placed on Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution effective April 24, 2014 through December 31, 2014. If during the period of Deferred Dissolution, there are further violations of the Code of Conduct, the chapter will be dissolved.
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Disciplinary probation is the conditional continuation of a group or organization for a specified period of time not to exceed four semesters. This status implies that any further violation of this Code of Conduct may result in dissolution, termination, or other authorized sanctions. Other sanctions may be imposed, including limitations on social activities, and additional requirements may be imposed as conditions for reinstatement of recognition in good standing.
The organization will be alcohol free effective April 24, 2014 through May 31, 2015. The chapter cannot host any events in the house with alcohol and individual members are not permitted to have alcohol in their rooms. The chapter can host non-alcoholic events during the probationary period.
The chapter is required to provide written documentation of all Lambda Chi Alpha standards board cases/outcomes to The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and the Office of Student Conduct dating back to March 17, 2014 and continuing through May 2015. This must include the documentation for the case involving the individual member who provided vodka at the 3/18 unregistered party. It is to be completed by April 28, 2014. For further information please contact Sharon K. Basso
The following educational sanction is being imposed. It is recommendation to the national headquarters and alumni leadership that they do a review/assessment of all Lambda Chi Alpha executive board members to determine if they are equipped to continue in their roles and lead the chapter in a more positive direction. The results, in writing, of this assessment/evaluation should be provided to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. It is to be completed by September 1, 2014. For further information please contact Sharon K. Basso
The following educational sanction is being imposed. The chapter is required to develop an alcohol management plan including how the chapter plans to abide by, enforce, and manage being a dry house. This document must be signed by all members and approved by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. It is to be completed by September 1, 2014. For further information please contact Sharon K. Basso
Please note that any potential violations of the code that occur at off campus events identified to be Lambda Chi Alpha related will be adjudicated via the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations.
The Hearing Officer gave the following rationale the decision:
Rationale For Findings:
There was a preponderance of evidence supporting a finding of responsible for all charges.
Key Facts
1. Chapter admitted to hosting an unregistered "pre-game" party on 3/18/14, where they provided alcohol and underage individuals consumed alcohol.
2. On 3/17 members of Lambda Chi Alpha participated in co-sponsoring an off campus party. 6 to 8 members of Lambda Chi Alpha attended the event. A female student consumed alcohol at the party to the point of severe intoxication and was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.
3. LUPD provided information that during the investigation into the 3/17/14 incident, the Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter President admitted that members of Lambda Chi Alpha bought and provided alcohol at that off campus party.
4. Witnesses testified that they were told by others that the 3/17/14 party was co-hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha.