Phi Gamma Delta suspended
Fraternity being investigated for possible hazing
By Kristi Walker
Staff Reporter

The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity is being investigated for possible hazing violations, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Don Mills said Thursday night.

The investigation began Thursday morning following a report to Campus Life, Mills said. The fraternity has been suspended indefinitely from participation in any activities, he said. The ban would bar the fraternity from several major ongoing and upcoming social events this weekend.

Mills said the investigation could be completed as early as the begining of next week.

Neither Mills nor Fiji president Zerek Travis would comment on the nature of the violation. But, Travis who earlier declined to comment on the issue, said later that the fraternity is cooperating with TCU.

“It has been brought to our attention that we are under investigation for a possible hazing incident, and we are fully complying with TCU to get this matter resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Travis said.

TCU defines hazing as any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule, according to the Interfraternity Council Web site. Texas law has a similar definition.

Fiji’s national office has been contacted for the investigation, Mills said.

James Parker, assistant dean of Campus Life, said investigations of this nature involve Campus Life working with the organization’s student leadership, local alumni and national council to determine the severity of the issue. Parker said the consequences are determined on a case-by-case basis.

TCU Assistant Chief of Police J.C. Williams said Thursday night he was unaware of the investigation and the TCU police are currently not involved.

The last fraternity to be found guilty of hazing was Kappa Sigma, which was kicked off campus in fall 2002. The fraternity was restored to good standing to campus this fall.