This is a University Conduct update on the result
of the May 14th University Committee on Discipline Hearing for Lambda
Chi Alpha. Per previous correspondence, the chapter was facing Lehigh
University Code of Conduct violations, stemming from an investigation by Lehigh
University Police, and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations
regarding an incident that occurred on the night/early morning of April 17th and 18th.
Narrative:
On April
17/18, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity hosted an off campus party at which hard
alcohol
was
served. One student who consumed large amounts of alcohol at this party was
taken to the
hospital
for severe intoxication. Two other students reported to LUPD that they also had
consumed
large quantities of alcohol.
Charges:
Respect
for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)
The
unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.
Lambda
Chi Alpha was found:
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity hosted an off
campus party at a house that was occupied by
chapter members. Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
and/or its members purchased alcohol and
provided it to people under the age of 21. One
of whom became so intoxicated she required
transportation to the hospital. Two other
students reported to LUPD that they had enough
alcohol that they were browned out or blacked
out.
Respect
for Community (General)
As
members of the Lehigh University Community, students are expected to serve as
positive representatives. They are expected to know and follow the Code of
Conduct, and show respect for the faculty, staff, community members and
administrative processes that are in place to maintain and support our
community standards.
Lambda
Chi Alpha was found:
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity created an environment
in which at least one student's health and
or safety was at risk because of the amount of
alcohol she was provided.
Respect
for Community J1 (Encouraging Others)
Encouraging
or facilitating others in actions that violate the Code of Conduct.
Lambda
Chi Alpha was found:
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity invited students
under the age of 21 to an off campus party where
alcohol was provided.
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.
Lambda
Chi Alpha was found:
Hard Alcohol was provided by Lambda Chi Alpha
Fraternity to students without any restriction
or control.
Respect
for Community G1 (Incomplete Sanctions)
Failure
to complete any sanctions imposed by Lehigh University.
Lambda
Chi Alpha was found:
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity failed to complete
a sanction imposed in August of 2013,
specifically: "Provide OFSA with a written
alcohol management plan prior to registering a
social event with alcohol."
Findings:
Lambda Chi Alpha was found responsible for all
of these violations of the Code of Conduct. The sanctions for the chapter are
as follows:
1)
The organization is placed on Disciplinary
Deferred Dissolution from December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2015. During
this period of time, the organization is on notice that any further violations
of the Code of Conduct will result in the dissolution of the organization
immediately without further review. *Please note, due to an incident earlier this
semester, the chapter is already on Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution through
December 31st, 2014.
2)
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is placed on
Disciplinary Probation effective January 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017. 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.
3)
The chapter facility will remain dry for the
period of time set forth in the outcome letter for the April 24, 2014 hearing.
The organization has lost its right to register and/or host social events with
alcohol (on or off campus) effective May 14, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
4)
The chapter is required to complete all
educational sanctions imposed at the April 24, 2014 hearing with the
established deadlines.
5)
The chapter is required to develop a risk
management plan which must be signed and endorsed by all members of the
organization and approved by OFSA by September 1, 2014. The plan must include a
requirement for risk management meetings prior to all social events. These
meetings should involve key chapter personnel.
6)
The former chapter president at the time of the
incident and former Risk Manager are not permitted to participate in any
fraternity events during the 2014-2015 academic year.
7)
The panel recommends that the individuals that
the chapter has temporarily suspended not be reinstated.
Rationale
for Sanctions:
There is a clear pattern of violations of the
code of conduct over the last 2 years, however, the incoming president seems to
clearly understand the seriousness of changing the culture of the house to
change this pattern.
Furthermore, the fraternity appears to have the
support of the alumni and has begun to develop a proactive plan to address the
problems. These sanctions were also
imposed with the assumption that the chapter will complete all actions
addressed in the May 5th letter from the Alumni Control Board.
If you have questions regarding the results of this hearing, I encourage you to
reach out to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at (610) 758-4157.