U of A won't recognize fraternity for 5 years due to alcohol, hazing violations

The University of Arizona has issued a loss of recognition status through May 2029 to Pi Kappa Phi fraternity due to “dangerous” hazing.

The Dean of Students’ Office found the fraternity violated University Code of Conduct prohibitions related to alcohol, including furnishing alcohol to minors; conduct endangering others, hazing and violations of state or federal law, the UA announced Thursday.

“The documented cases of Student Code of Conduct violations highlight a concerning lack of regard for the safety and well-being of fraternity members,” said Kendal Washington White, the vice provost of campus life and dean of students. “Despite the university’s clear and extensive educational efforts, the members of Pi Kappa Phi have chosen to disregard our expectations.”

According to the university, on Feb. 8, the Pi Kappa Phi executive director informed the Interfraternity Council that the Beta Theta chapter was withdrawing its membership and forfeiting its recognition from the UA.

“The Beta Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi began operating as an unrecognized and independent fraternity on Jan. 22, and the national headquarters will continue to support them moving forward,” the fraternity’s statement read.

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The director could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

Because of Pi Kappa Phi’s aggravated status of being on university probation for multiple previous code of conduct violations, the fraternity is sanctioned with the loss of recognition status effective immediately.

No other fraternities or sororities are currently under investigation at the UA, though Phi Gamma Delta fraternity is under sanction for violating a recruitment policy.