April 19, 2018
Martin Cobb, Director of Communication
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
martin.cobb@beta.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at University of Illinois

OXFORD, OHIO, April 19, 2018 –Beta Theta Pi Fraternity has made the difficult decision to close its Sigma Rho Chapter at the University of Illinois, effective immediately.

The decision to disband comes after a trying year for the chapter, which began last fall with the discovery of issues related to hazing, unsafe social functions, alcohol-based recruitment, and a high level of distrust between the chapter and the advisors and General Fraternity. After a resulting suspension and investigation, the men continued to operate outside their permissible activities. Moreover, when a membership review was required to restart chapter operations this spring, just 12 members chose to participate, leaving the Fraternity without the membership base necessary to sustain a viable chapter on the Illinois campus.

“Once these alarming circumstances were validated, the General Fraternity was left little choice but to intervene with the welfare of its undergraduate members as a foremost priority,” said Fraternity General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73. “Following such a disappointing and tumultuous year for Greek life across North America, I am certain disbanding Sigma Rho is the safest, most appropriate decision at this time.”

Originally founded in 1902, nearly 2,300 Beta alumni call the Sigma Rho Chapter home at the University of Illinois. The chapter’s charter will remain suspended and in the care of the Board of Trustees throughout this period of disbandment.

 ###

Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 10,000 undergraduate members on 135 campuses across North America, 130,000 living-alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Press Contact:
Name:                 Justin Warren
Position:              Director of Media Relations & Senior Writer
Email:                  justin.warren@beta.org