Nat'l forces Theta Xi off U. campus

Theta Xi Fraternity's national organization has ordered the University's chapter to immediately cease operations, forcing them out of their Locust Walk house. The decision to suspend the chapter's activities comes after the national governing body reviewed Theta Xi's operations and activities and found them "incompatible with the Fraternity's policies and beliefs," according to an official statement sent out by James Vredenburgh, Theta Xi's national executive director. Theta Xi brothers will be forced to vacate their house at 3643 Locust Walk by the end of this semester and assume early alumni status, the statement reads. The statement further explained that the decision was made by the national officials and chapter alumni, in consultation with University officials. Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrisson said Thursday night she believes that Theta Xi's national had been investigating the chapter's activities for the past few years. Because the decision had been made primarily by the Theta Xi organization neither Morrisson nor Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs director Tricia Phaup would disclose the cause of the chapter's removal from their house. Phaup would say that the Theta Xi brothers had committed various administrational, organizational and behavioral violations of the "risk-management policy," which regulates numerous aspects of fraternity life ranging from alcohol usage to the property conditions. Theta Xi's Vredenburgh declined to comment Thursday night. It is unclear how long the chapter will be out of their house, but the statement expressed a desire to reestablish the chapter "within the next several years." Morrisson said no plans have been made for the house, though the University is "absolutely" willing to help the brothers find new housing. A number of Theta Xi brothers contacted Thursday night declined to comment. But Morris Massel, InterFraternity Council vice president for rush and Greek Week, speculated that the chapter's trouble was a result of a "hazing incident." There is also some confusion surrounding Theta Xi's rush this year. Massel said he was unaware of any formal rush process sponsored by Theta Xi. But Theta Xi brother Douglas Nemec said his chapter had conducted a formal rush and said there have been a number of Theta Xi rushees this year. Theta Xi president, Engineering senior Dean Filipowicz, could not be reached for comment Thursday night.