UF's chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity was suspended for four years Friday as a result of allegations that members of the fall 2007 pledge class were forced to do hours of physical activity and consume large amounts of alcohol as part of hazing rituals.
In a recommendation sent to Mary Kay Carodine, senior associate dean of students, earlier this month, the UF Greek Judicial Board suggested the fraternity be suspended for two years.
Carodine said after reviewing the amount of information in the board's report, it was evident that the fraternity's culture of hazing would need more than two years to fix.
The fraternity will not be able to have an on-campus house, recruit new members or participate in philanthropies as part of their punishment.
The report said the fraternity violated the Student Code of Conduct with hazing, resulting in physical or other harm and distribution of alcohol. The fraternity accepted responsibility for all three charges and did not dispute any of the allegations in the report, which listed more than a page of violations.
"I would say this is one of the most serious hazing cases that the board has handled at least in the last several years," said Chris Loschiavo, director of Student Judicial Affairs.
In one ritual called "Defend your Pledge Brother," new members had to do wall sits, during which they would squat in a sitting position with their backs leaning against a wall and their arms out straight for 30 minutes. If a new member's position faltered, an active brother would walk across the new members' legs.
In an event called "Waterfalls," new members had to collectively finish two handles of Jim Beam whiskey and a keg.
UF senior Lyle Long was president of the fraternity when the incidents took place.
Long said though he was never present at any of the rituals, he knew that they potentially could be happening. He said he was working to change that, but some members resisted his efforts.
Long said his biggest mistake as president was viewing the university as an enemy rather than as a tool to stop hazing.
He said he plans to speak about his house's experience to other fraternities in the fall.
"I'm thankful the university intervened. I'm disappointed we've been kicked off, but this could have been potentially worse," he said.
Jordan Whiddon, a member of the fall 2007 pledge class, said new members always had the option not to participate in the events taking place, but he agreed that UF should have intervened.
"I think the times of having to prove yourself to other people are over, and I'm glad the university is making sure no one's getting hurt," Whiddon said.
