INDIANAPOLIS — The Alpha Kappa Psi Board of Directors voted to suspend the charter of the Beta Xi Chapter at Virginia Tech. The board’s decision was based upon an investigation which revealed physical and psychological hazing of new members.
This is the second investigation in the past several months which has led to the closure of a chapter. Earlier this year, the Nu Xi Chapter at the University of California-San Diego was also closed by the Board of Directors following an investigation of hazing and alcohol-related activities. Both chapters will be closed for a minimum of three years.
“The board is becoming more resolute in eradicating hazing activities and the alcohol-related activities that push the boundaries of good judgment,” said Mariel Reynolds, chair of the AKPsi Judiciary Committee. “With the closing of these chapters, and particularly when alcohol is involved in new member activities, the board is confirming its zero-tolerance position. I’m hopeful that chapter officers will begin having meaningful discussions with their members regarding how their actions reflect the values of Alpha Kappa Psi.”
In September, the fraternity implemented a pilot program for risk management education with 43 chapters. This program includes educational material that can be delivered to local chapters and is intended to raise awareness of the hazing and alcohol-related problems they may face and provide chapters with strategies to address these issues.
In addition, the fraternity offers ‘bystander’ training and risk management education through the Pledge Education Program, online webinars and eLearning modules, and at national and regional events such as Officer Training, the College of Leadership and the Principled Business Leaders Institute (PBLI).
