Organization Name: Washington Epsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
Date of Investigation: November 9, 2022
Date investigation ended: December 12, 2022
Description of Incident: EWU received information through its online reporting process alleging that the Washington Epsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity:
- forced new members to consume large quantities of alcohol on at least two occasions during their new member process in fall 2022
- required new members to engage in reciting the history of Phi Delta Theta and the Greek alphabet under duress and required them to do wall sits if they did not accurately answer questions
- required new members to participate in sensory deprivation tactics in an unfamiliar and unsafe setting
Date Found Responsible: The Washington Epsilon Chapter for Phi Delta Theta, in accordance with the EWU Student Code of Conduct, chose to admit responsibility for violating the EWU Student Conduct Code on January 11, 2023.
Partnership with National Headquarters: Yes. Where possible, EWU works to partner with organizational National Headquarters and alumni to address hazing behavior quickly and comprehensively. While investigations and sanctions may occur separately, we have found that a collaborative approach improves our ability to effectively address behavior and increase community safety.
Phi Delta Theta National Headquarter Decision: The Washington Epsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity received the following decision :
- Chapter closed
EWU Sanctions: The Washington Epsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity received the following sanctions:
- Restriction of Recognition: Effective immediately, Eastern Washington University has withdrawn recognition from the Washington Epsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. The withdrawal of recognition of the chapter is in place until the end of the Spring Quarter of 2023.
- GET INCLUSIVE AOD Module: The chapter is required to complete the GET INCLUSIVE Alcohol and Other Drug module. The chapter must have 100% of their chapter membership complete the module and submit their Certification of Completion to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) office in SHW 125. The chapter must submit a complete roster of their active membership to SRR to ensure full compliance with this requirement. This sanction must be completed by March 31, 2023.
- Alcohol ECheck UP TO Go: The chapter is required to complete the Alcohol eCheckUP To Go Program. The chapter must have 100% of their active membership complete this module. The chapter must submit a complete roster of their active membership to SRR to ensure full compliance with requirement. This sanction must be completed by March 31, 2023.
- Pledge Member Education Program: The chapter must submit a copy of their new pledge member education program to the Student Rights and Responsibilities office in SHW 125 before the end of the restriction period from the University.
- Disciplinary Probation: The chapter is on disciplinary probation for one (1) calendar year upon the chapter’s return to full recognition status at Eastern Washington University. Any further alleged violations of the EWU Student Conduct Code may be heard by a conduct review officer and may result in major disciplinary sanctions.
- Social Probation: Upon the chapter’s return to full recognition status with the university, the chapter will be placed on social probation for one (1) calendar year. The chapter will not be allowed to host and/or participate in any events or activities where alcohol is present. This includes, but not limited to, any events or activities hosted by the chapter, another EWU recognized student organization, or any events or activities sponsored by the Eastern Washington University.
Access to the complaint filed and all University materials tied to this complaint and investigation can be requested through the EWU Public Records Process.
