After a University investigation of the Beta Mu chapter of Delta Tau Delta (DTD) on Thursday, April 7, the fraternity was ordered to close for one year and to remain on probation for a year thereafter.The investigation resulted from incidents occurring on Feb. 26 and 27 which resulted in the hospitalization of freshman Ian McPherran, who stopped breathing during a pledge event.
According to a press release on Friday, April 8 from Director of Community Relations Barbara Rubel, the chapter admitted in writing to five of the seven charges levied against them, including providing alcohol to minors, using alcohol as a part of pledge activities, hazing, violation of the chapter's status as a dry house and probation status and a membership eligibility violation.
The chapter denied endangering the life of a student and lack of cooperation with University officials in the investigation.
According to Dean of Students Bruce Reitman, the chapter denied endangerment because "they said they were careful to take precautions that nobody would be endangered," and lack of cooperation because the chapter claimed that "there was no organized effort to tell any of the pledges or brothers to respond in a particular way to investigating officers."
The hazing charge will most likely not result in criminal charges because the chapter admitted to violating University anti-hazing policy, not Massachusetts state anti-hazing law.
Because the chapter admitted to these violations, Reitman said, the April 7 hearing was intended to determine the sanctions on the chapter.
The Judiciary of the Committee on Fraternities and Sororities (CFS-J), which
conducted the hearing, determined that the chapter would be closed beginning Sunday, May 22 - the date of Commencement. The chapter can take occupancy of the house in fall 2006, but will be on probation and will not be able to host social events until fall 2007.
Reitman said that the decision to close DTD was "not taken lightly."
"I know that closing a fraternity is a serious consequence and I know that it's one that will interfere with the plans that many brothers and pledges of the fraternity had made for next year at least," he said.
"It's not something that's done often but it is something that is seen essential when activities result in people being taken to the hospital in the state that that young man was and potentially could have happened to others," Reitman said. "I wish this wasn't necessary but it was and the school can't stand idly by while that happens."
Beta Mu chapter president junior Noah Ornstein said that the closing of the chapter was an "unfortunate event" that would affect both brothers and the two men who act as chef and caretaker.
"I fail to see how making 23 students homeless and putting two men with families on the dole benefits anyone," he said.
Ornstein said that the closure would affect DTD's status on campus. "It affects our status as number one," he said.
Ornstein also apologized for the events that led to the closure. "We're tremendously sorry, it was obviously horrible for everybody involved - a bad experience for the young gentleman and for all of us," Ornstein said.
Jason Young, Director of Communication for DTD National, said that he declined to comment on the matter until the University had informed the national organization of the chapter closure.
The Tufts Daily - DTD closed for a year; on probation until 2007
