April 11, 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 Central Florida

OXFORD, OHIO, April 11, 2018 – Beta Theta Pi is disappointed to announce the closure of its Zeta Psi Chapter at the University of Central Florida, effective immediately.

The decision to disband comes after a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the university validated a number of concerns with Zeta Psi’s new member education program. A chapter-wide culture of hazing activities was discovered – many including alcohol furnished to new members by upperclassmen and virtually all carried out with the knowledge of the chapter’s undergraduate officers.

“That these activities took place so closely following the events at Penn State and a similar tragedy at nearby Florida State shows a deeply disappointing lack of perspective and foresight by the chapter leaders,” said Fraternity General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73. “Beta Theta Pi does not condone hazing by any chapter, at any time, on any campus. The choice is clear and the Fraternity’s position is unequivocal.”

Founded in 2004, the Zeta Psi Chapter at the University of Central Florida was home to 83 undergraduate members at the time of closure. 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 136 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