Chi Phi fraternity chapter terminated as student organization

The Chi Phi fraternity chapter at UW–Madison has been terminated as a student organization for violations of Student Organization Conduct policies.

In January, the dean of students received a report alleging that members and leadership of Chi Phi actively engaged in hazing new members during the chapter’s initiation weekend in December. Upon receiving the initial report, the dean of students immediately placed the chapter on interim suspension.

Following an investigation, the committee cited the chapter for the following violations:

• Chapter leaders permitted and fostered a dangerous hazing environment.
• Chapter members engaged in food deprivation, stints of hooded isolation and other acts that seriously threatened the health and safety of all of the new members and resulted in one student suffering a concussion.
• The chapter violated the terms of the Student Organization Alcohol policy by forcing underage new members to excessively drink and failing to have any risk management protocols in place.
• The chapter violated a provision against humiliating, degrading and sexualized conduct, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.

As a result of the committee’s action, Chi Phi is no longer recognized by the Interfraternity Council.

“The Interfraternity Council does not condone the actions of Chi Phi and supports the Committee on Student Organizations decision to terminate recognition of the organization,” says Conner Feldman, executive president of the council. “The circumstances involving Chi Phi fraternity are unjustifiable and inappropriate. Hazing is strictly prohibited at all times by any persons affiliated with or under the jurisdiction of the Interfraternity Council at UW–Madison.”

The chapter can appeal the Committee on Student Organizations’ decision.

Federal laws governing student privacy prevent UW–Madison from discussing any disciplinary action that may be taken against individual students.