Throughout the Fall 2021 semester, the Gamma Delta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity (Lambda Chi), the Sigma chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity (SNU), the Alpha Gamma chapter of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity (ZBT) and the Kappa chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity (KSig) have been placed on social suspension by their respective national fraternities. As of publication, the Alpha Psi chapter of Sigma Chi fraternity (Sig Chi) is also under investigation for a policy violation.

Lambda Chi, SNU and ZBT will remain on suspension until 2022, while KSig was taken off suspension earlier in the semester. Kristen Torrey, director of the Office of Greek Life (OGL), declined to comment on when this suspension was lifted. 

“This is relatively consistent with prior years in terms of the number of chapters that might have an accountability proceeding in the fall semester,” Torrey said. “This year presented some additional challenges due to the learning curve for new leaders who had never hosted social events and many students who had never attended social events in person.”

During this semester, the OGL also denounced off-campus activities of former Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity (DKE) brothers after the DKE national fraternity closed Vanderbilt’s Gamma chapter in February 2021.

When on social suspension, a fraternity cannot hold social events with alcohol on or off campus, per Torrey. These activities can be resumed when on probation, but the said fraternity would face harsher sanctions if violations occur during that time. She said that, after being suspended, fraternities are also given educational and operational requirements.

“Outcomes are determined by the nature and severity of the violations, the disciplinary history of the chapter, and the attitude/cooperation of the chapter in the accountability process,” Torrey said in an email to The Hustler.

According to Torrey, ZBT was found responsible for recruitment, alcohol, hazing and new member education policy violations. The chapter will be on social suspension until Feb. 14, 2022, and on probation through Fall 2022. Torrey said ZBT was also fined by the Interfraternity Council (IFC) for these actions. ZBT Headquarters declined to comment on the details of this suspension. 

Torrey stated that the Gamma Delta chapter of Lambda Chi disobeyed alcohol and event management policy violations, placing them on social suspension through Dec. 18, 2021, and probation until Jan. 24, 2022. Members of the chapter will also participate in an educational program with the IFC Judicial team. 

Vanderbilt’s chapter of SNU violated alcohol and recruitment policies, per Torrey. SNU will be on social suspension through Dec. 6, 2021, and must also pay a fine to the IFC. Torrey declined to comment on whether SNU will be placed on probation following their suspension.

“We partner with the national organizations to identify educational and operational outcomes that will assist in behavioral change in addressing the issues that took place,” Torrey said.

Logan Cromeens, a junior and IFC president, did not respond to The Hustler’s requests for comment regarding the various IFC fraternity suspensions.