SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego State University announced Tuesday the closure of its Delta Sigma Phi fraternity branch over "a consistent pattern of policy violations," including "significant hazing and alcohol misconduct."
Members of the fraternity also taunted members of a women's rights group participating in the "Take Back the Night March" on Nov. 21 to protest sexual harassment, according to the SDSU Division of Student Affairs.
As a result, the Delta Sigma Phi national office, in consultation with SDSU, decided to close the chapter. According to their agreement, the earliest date for possible reinstatement would be fall 2016, subject to a review of adherence to university policies.
"It recently became clear that certain members of (the SDSU fraternity) chapter have not maintained the integrity that our members deserve and that our history demands," the Delta Sigma Phi national office asserted in a prepared statement.
"A series of incidents highlighted behavior inconsistent with the high standards that have been synonymous with the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity at San Diego State University."
Those involved in the harassment policy violation also will be subject to a Title IX policy investigation and a student code-of-conduct violation investigation.
"There is no place in our campus community for the type of ongoing behaviors displayed by those involved with this fraternity chapter," said Eric
Rivera, SDSU's vice president for student affairs.
"We appreciate the willingness of the national office of Delta Sigma Phi to step in and address these issues and take action with us."
The process of the chapter's return to campus would involve meeting a series of "significant milestones," according to university officials.
The house cannot be used until the chapter reaches approved charter status and must maintain an alcohol- and drug-free environment.
Also, the frat must employ a full-time house manager to address behavioral issues and adhere to the input of an advisory panel that will provide individual advising for each chapter officer.