Video Transcript: Frat Investigations
Hannah Beam:
Three fraternities at Syracuse University are now under investigation this semester, with Lambda Chi Alpha the most recent to be placed on investigative status.
Jack Belasky:
Like if it gets to a point where kids’ lives are on the line, or people are getting injured or have to be sent to the hospital in any way, I think it just gets to a point, and that’s where they should draw the line.
Beam:
Investigative status does not shut fraternities down entirely, but it does pause recruitment and social events while the university reviews possible violations, a situation some Greek life students say is unfortunate and not reflective of their organizations.
Allie Bamford:
I think it’s just kind of discouraging because it’s not what Greek life is all about, so it’s kind of upsetting that this is what it’s turned into and what it’s portrayed as now.
Beam:
Leaders from fraternities not under investigation say they are continuing operations while emphasizing safety and accountability.
Hayden Ross:
Educating our new members, leading by example, telling people not to believe what is going on in the rumor mill, and just kind of focusing on ourselves.
Beam:
Other members of the Greek community say the situation highlights the importance of responsible leadership across organizations.
Geoffrey Pritchard:
At the beginning of the year, there were several meetings about what is OK, what’s not OK, what’s legal, and so to see other fraternities on campus not complying with those rules is very upsetting to my fraternity that really tries hard.
Beam:
University officials say there is no set timeline for these investigations, meaning fraternities and students alike could be waiting weeks or even months for answers. For NCC News, I’m Hannah Beam.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Three Syracuse University fraternities are under investigation this semester, prompting concerns about student safety and accountability within the Greek community.
Lambda Chi Alpha was placed on investigative status Feb. 16, joining Theta Chi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, according to the university’s Hazing Awareness Hub. The designation immediately halted recruitment and social events while Community Standards reviewed possible violations of the student conduct code.
University officials did not specify the nature of the allegations and said there is no set timeline for when investigations will conclude.
Investigative status allows chapters to continue service and philanthropy activities but restricts many of the events typically associated with fraternity life. The status is intended to limit risk while information is gathered through interviews and other evidence.
Students said the repeated investigations raised concerns about campus safety.
“Like if it gets to a point where kids’ lives are on the line, or people are getting injured or sent to the hospital in any way, that’s where they should draw the line,” first-year student Jack Belasky said.
Others involved in Greek life said the situation was discouraging and did not reflect what fraternities and sororities aim to represent.
“I think it’s kind of discouraging because it’s not what Greek life is all about,” said Allie Bamford, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. “It’s upsetting that this is what it’s turned into and what it’s portrayed as now.”
Leaders from fraternities not under investigation said they continued operating normally while emphasizing education and accountability.
“Educating our new members, leading by example, and focusing on ourselves,” said Hayden Ross, president of Pi Kappa Phi. “Not believing everything in the rumor mill.”
Other fraternity members said chapters had received guidance about rules and expectations earlier in the academic year.
“At the beginning of the year, there were several meetings about what is OK, what’s not OK, and what’s legal,” said Geoffrey Pritchard of Sigma Alpha Mu. “Seeing other fraternities not complying with those rules is very upsetting to a fraternity that really tries hard.”
Syracuse University states it will not tolerate hazing and encourages students to report concerns to Community Standards, the Department of Public Safety, or the Dean of Students’ office.
Greek life has long been a prominent part of campus culture, but investigations can affect recruitment, public perception, and participation across organizations.
For now, students and fraternity leaders said they were waiting for answers as the university continued its review process.