The University of Memphis suspended all 10 fraternities in the Interfraternity Council last night after some of the organizations recently broke several laws and University regulations.
Although The University hasn't determined the length of the suspension, Dean of Students William Porter said fraternities needed risk management training, which includes instruction of regulations at parties and fire safety procedures, among other things.
Zach Nahmias, a Zeta Beta Tau alumnus who was present for the suspension vote, said The University would require a portion of each fraternity to take the class.
"There have been concerns about standard operating procedure," he said.
A small fire in Alpha Tau Omega's house recently sparked questions about fraternities' knowledge of safety procedures, he said.
Several fraternity sources also said there have been reports of fights and underage drinking at fraternity parties.
Earlier this semester, three Kappa Alpha members were arrested for underage drinking and attempting to steal a horse head statue from a Memphis resident. Before that, members of the traditionally Jewish fraternity Zeta Beta Tau found swastikas painted on a Greek row house they were looking to buy.
But not all fraternities have been accused of wrongdoing. Several fraternity members said they would appeal the decision, saying that it is unfair to innocent fraternities and sororities.
Junior business marketing major Ben Prudhomme, who will be among the first Pi Kappa Alpha initiates next year, said his fraternity is included in the suspension even though it hasn't received its charter.
"I definitely think there will be an appeal, and there should be," he said. "Fraternities who haven't caused problems shouldn't be punished."
