A Cal Poly fraternity has been suspended by the University following an investigation into allegations that pledges were forced to consume large amounts of alcohol and engage in dangerous activities, a University spokesman confirmed Sunday.
Lambda Phi Epsilon, which was founded at Cal Poly in 1995, has been disaffiliated from the university for at least two years or until all current members have either graduated or leave the school, according to Cal Poly University Communications Director Matt Lazier.
Lazier said tHe fraternity was notified of the suspension Thursday.
A recruiting event posted on Facebook by the fraternity calls Lambda Phi Epsilon the “first and only internationally recognized Asian-American interest fraternity.”
According to the Cal Poly website, Lambda Phi Epsilon had its recognition revoked for violation of Registered Student Organization Code of Conduct, violation of health and safety, violation of alcohol use, violations of law, and violations of hazing and conspiracy to haze.
The University received anonymous reports that members of Lambda Phi Epsilon had “taken part in systematic hazing of new pledges in recent years,” according to Lazier.
The investigation, completed by Cal Poly administrators and the fraternity’s national headquarters, determined that the Cal Poly chapter had furnished or provided access to alcohol to students, including minors.
Lazier said there is evidence that the fraternity also forced new recruits and pledges to consume large amounts of alcohol and engage in painful or unsafe activities like “late-night submersion in the ocean” and knuckle push-ups.
The national fraternity supports the Cal Poly chapter’s finding and sanction, according to Lazier.
Cal Poly administrators have also asked the national fraternity to withdraw its recognition of the local chapter.
In the Facebook page for the recruiting event, the fraternity said it exemplifies “the highest standard of academic performance, social experience, service to the community and absolute brotherhood among our members.”
It’s unclear how the long the fraternity had been recognized by Cal Poly before it’s recent suspension.