Fiji faces suspension on hazing charges

For the next two months, there will be one less fraternity at UF.

The UF Upsilon Phi chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity has been suspended through summer, said UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes.

The fraternity is in trouble with the UF Student Conduct Committee for multiple counts of hazing, including sleep deprivation, physical activity and demeaning treatment. 

Sikes said Phi Gamma Delta, also known as Fiji, is on conduct probation until the end of next year. Delivered in May, the probation includes various restrictions and educational sanctions that last until December 2015.

“They’re a dry house through December of 2015,” she said. 

The fraternity is suspended until Aug. 9, but if the brothers violate conduct probation rules during the Fall or Spring, they could be put on suspension again.

While on suspension, Phi Gamma Delta is not recognized as a fraternity at UF.

Former Fiji President Josh Hendricks said he is dealing with the conduct committee for incidents that were not his fault. 

“Our fraternity is in trouble because somebody said we did something terrible,” said the 21-year-old UF sport management senior. “I took the fall for the entire chapter.”

Hendricks said he is currently facing two counts of hazing, although he said he “got completely screwed over by the Student Conduct Committee” and doesn’t know what the charges he is facing are for.

Public relations director for UF Interfraternity Council, Santiago Ramirez, said the IFC currently has no comment on the matter. Brothers of the fraternity did not return multiple calls.

Former Fiji treasurer Jordan Battel assumed the role of chapter president after the incident. He also refused to comment on the issue. 

But Fiji is not the only fraternity – or sorority – at UF with a record.

There have been 26 hazing cases within UF Greek life since 2000, according to the Dean of Students Office’s website. Suspensions, alcohol prohibitions and fines were common consequences.

Three other Greek organizations are currently experiencing some form of educational sanctions, including Sigma Nu, Alpha Epsilon Phi and Theta Chi. Such sanctions usually may include alcohol bans or classes related to misbehavior.

In Fiji’s case, the brothers will be required to bring in a speaker to talk to members about the emotional, mental and physical consequences of hazing, Sikes said.

After hazing caused the death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion in 2011, Gov. Rick Scott ordered all of Florida’s state universities to re-examine their hazing and harassment policies.

UF’s hazing policy condemns “any action or situation that recklessly, by design, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.”

“I think if we’re going to change the culture, we need to send a strong message,” Vice President for Student Affairs Dave Kratzer told the Alligator in November. ”I’m confident that our Greek system can be better than what it is.”