University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials have suspended the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity indefinitely, saying an investigation uncovered behavior problems both on and off campus.
Officials said in a news release they learned of a pattern of behavior that violates the UNL Student Code of Conduct.
While they didn't offer specifics, they said the investigation identified a series of likely violations involving "problematic alcohol use" in the chapter house at 1548 S St. and at off-campus parties. It also identified problems with the way pledges are treated, the release said.
Officials also fielded claims of property damage to another Greek house, according to the release, which did not say what house or how it was damaged.
The university is continuing its investigation and said additional steps may be taken.
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Declining to offer specifics, UNL spokesman Steve Smith said the investigation began after a student came forward with some information about the fraternity Nov. 10. A UNL Police record indicates a student made a hazing report that day at UNLPD's station on 17th and R streets.
The report lists the case as inactive.
Smith said he was unaware of the status of that UNLPD case Thursday night but that UNL will thoroughly investigate the matter.
The fraternity's suspension is justified, Smith said, "given the facts we've learned thus far."
Under the suspension, UNL will not recognize the fraternity as a Greek organization at Nebraska and has removed its status as university-recognized housing.
That means about 20 freshmen will not be able to live there and will be placed in other university-approved housing beginning in January, Smith said. Next week is the last week of the fall semester.
Upperclassmen living in the house will be not be affected by the measure, he said.
“The safety of our students is our highest priority, and this decision is with their best interests in mind,†Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Juan N. Franco said in the news release. “The university will always act to ensure student welfare.â€
University officials are working with the chapter's Indiana-based national office, which is looking into whether the conduct violated national standards.
“We are working with the university and will do what we can to support the investigation,†the fraternity's national director of standards, James D’Imperio, said in the release.
The action against Phi Psi marks the fourth fraternity suspension suspension by UNL since January 2014.
This is a developing story. Stay with for updates.
Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or rjohnson@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSRileyJohnson.
Riley Johnson
Local government reporter
