3 Frats at South Carolina’s Clemson University on Probation for Hazing, Misconduct

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Three fraternities at Clemson University in South Carolina were placed on disciplinary probation for violating the university’s code of conduct, according to a university report.

Delta Chi, Phi Delta Theta and Chi Phi were investigated following accusations of harsh new member processes, The Greenville News reported. The university’s report lists misconduct investigations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assaults and hazing.

Chi Phi is on probation until May 31, 2020. The report says fraternity members forced new members to consume alcohol after joining the chapter on Sept. 13.

Phi Delta Theta is also on probation until May 31, 2020 for not being “forthcoming” during an investigation into a Sept. 20 incident, the report says.

Delta Chi is on probation until Dec. 31, 2021 for forcing new members into “personal servitude” during an Oct. 16 incident, which is a form of hazing the report says.

Delta Chi is required to hold all new-member events on campus and take part in additional training and mentoring. Phi Delta Theta must conduct an investigation and review of its new-member initiation. Chi Phi must issue an apology letter to the students forced to consume alcohol and members must conduct a four week new member education course.

Chris Miller, Clemson’s dean of students and interim vice president for student affairs, said if the chapters fail to complete the sanctions further punishment could be applied. He added that Clemson’s student affairs office will ensure the organizations comply with the sanctions.

None of the fraternities immediately responded to requests for comment.

The university’s investigations were conducted under the South Carolina Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, which became law in June. The law requires South Carolina’s public colleges and universities to report conduct violations by fraternities and sororities. It’s named after Tucker Hipps, a Clemson University student who died in 2014 after falling off a bridge while running as he pledged for a fraternity.