Bowling Green, Ky. - After an extensive investigation by Western Kentucky University’s Office of Student Life uncovered numerous violations of university policies relating to events on Feb. 16, 2006, members of Alpha Chi chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) were informed today that the fraternity has been suspended for a period of three years.

As a result of the suspension, AGR, a national social and professional agriculture fraternity, may not participate in any campus activities as an organization. Additionally, individual members of the organization may face further sanctions as they now proceed through the University’s internal judicial process. By federal law, any further actions taken against members through this process will remain private.

In a report by Howard Bailey, associate vice president for Student Affairs and Development at WKU, findings of the investigating team regarding the incident cited nudity, psychological hazing involving an animal, and alcohol abuse. This was the group’s second violation of the University’s policy prohibiting alcohol at fraternity houses.

Specific findings from the investigative report included:

• The animal (mature male goat) was not harmed by any member of the organization and it was held in an 8’ X 10’ utility room in the basement of the house;

• Alcohol was present, underage drinking occurred, and individual members purchased alcohol;

• There was no sign of forced consumption of alcohol;

• Four initiates and at least five older members took part in nude streaking outside and inside the house;

• The four initiates, while informed that this was a tradition, were not forced to streak;

• Five members of the organization were not present for the initiation or left immediately following the formal initiation; and

• It has been determined that this type of hazing has occurred on initiation night at least since 2003.

“I feel a three-year suspension for this fraternity is appropriate given the seriousness of the violations,” said Dr. Gene Tice, vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Services. “This inappropriate behavior somehow has become part of the culture for this group.

"This will allow AGR to prove the worthiness of their organization with new leadership and membership in 2009 if they so choose.”

In a letter presented to Brian Peyton, president of AGR, the specific violations were outlined. They were: (1) University Student Organization Alcohol-Free Policy; (2) Hazing; (3) Conduct which is disorderly, abusive, drunken, violent or excessively noisy; and (4) Organizing, sponsoring, implementing or conducting programs or activities which are disorderly, which are violations of law or University regulations, or which contain lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

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