16 - Opinion (Local Issue)

Hannah Diffee

Professor Reppert

Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media

Fall 2024

16 - Opinion (Local Issue)

Phi Gamma Delta chapter at University of Arkansas suspended for 3 years

Fayetteville, Ark. -- A fraternity at the University of Arkansas has been suspended for three years amidst reports of hazing and alcohol use.

In October, the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) chapter at the University of Arkansas (UofA) was temporarily suspended after allegations arose of the organization hazing and injuring members. During an investigation conducted alongside the national Phi Gamma Delta organization, UofA received additional reports of alcohol use in Fiji's recruitment process, including "underage consumption, purchasing alcohol through chapter funds, and alcohol use associated with new member activities" (UofA Division of Student Affairs). The chapter was charged with these violations and breaches of fraternity rules, including improper initiation procedures and failure to report new members. In total, Fiji violated four items of the UofA student code. 

Photo Credit: The University of Virginia

On November 21, Fiji leadership held a trial in which they accepted responsibility for all charges. The chapter was officially suspended on December 3. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phi Gamma Delta (@arkansasfiji)

Above: Apparently, those hands do haze. 

The organization will be eligible to apply for reinstatement in 2027 if it meets certain conditions. The following list is the timeline for removal and reinstatement. 

• December 3, 2024: revocation of registration as a Greek Registered Student Organization
• December 13, 2024: removal from Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house
• October 31, 2024: submission of reinstatement application
• January 1, 2027: eligible for official reinstatement
• October 1, 2028: deadline to request return to Phi Gamma Delta house
• August 5, 2029: eligible for reinstatement in the Phi Gamma Delta house

More information can be found here.

Many UofA students have rightfully been frustrated by the news, as hazing should not occur in any organization. 

“I really just don’t think hazing is right. I really think that they shouldn’t do it. This should just be about finding your community and finding your people, and that’s just not really a way to get to know people. It just shouldn’t be common in sorority and fraternity life. And I just don’t think the University of Arkansas should allow hazing here."

- Blakely Pope

Additionally, while the use of alcohol in college and in Greek organizations is to be expected, no school organization should use its funds to purchase alcoholic beverages. Instead, organizations should dedicate their budgets towards service projects and philanthropic activities that positively impact the community or student body.