The University chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority was closed by its national organization yesterday, according to Panhellenic Association spokeswoman Lindsey Fediuk.
“There were some risk-management issues,” said Fediuk, citing the University hazing report that found the sorority house guilty of hazing its pledges — a violation of the University’s code of conduct, the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The report revealed AEP had been placed on social probation and mandated educational programs for the sorority’s members.
The sudden and late closing of the Pi chapter of AEP forces the house’s residents — who will be allowed to remain in the house until the semester ends — to seek alternative housing beginning in the spring, according to Fediuk. She said the women were informed of the chapter’s closing yesterday afternoon.
“Panhel is supporting the national association’s decision to close the chapter,” she said, adding that neither the national organization nor the Office of Greek Affairs will assist the displaced women in finding housing.
“That’s not (the national organization’s) job,” she said.
Fediuk said the national organization will remain the owner of the house.
The University’s hazing report was released in February in response to allegations of severe hazing after Fall 2004 Rush. The University’s investigation found evidence of forced food consumption, marijuana use, coerced theft and trespassing, excessive alcohol consumption and psychological abuse.
AEP was the only sorority found guilty of hazing.
Three fraternities were also found guilty, with punishments ranging from a mandatory educational programs to a revocation of one fraternity’s charter.
No criminal charges were brought against the offending chapters because the Ann Arbor Police Department — in an independent investigation — found no evidence that physical harm was inflicted upon pledges.
The Michigan Daily -- 114 Years of Editorial Freedom - AEP shut down
