Tucson News NowUA's Phi Kappa Psi loses charter for hazing

The Arizona Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Arizona has been revoked because of repeated hazing incidents, the fraternity's national office said.

Effective immediately, the chapter is no longer recognized by the national organization and will cease any organized activity on the UA campus, Executive Director Shawn Collinsworth said.

Former UA chapter President Robert Roberto said he received ‘threatening emails' from the national headquarters. He said the national office used emails sent over a Phi Psi Listserv between 2008 and 2010, indicating potential hazing in the investigation.

After three months of an investigation that UA members said included no direct contact with the UA chapter, the charter was revoked.

Roberto said that the previous chapter president flew, "out of pocket," to the national headquarters, "But they already had their mind made up."

Collinsworth said the UA chapter's efforts to hide the truth and mislead those investigating the allegations of hazing also contributed to the action. 

Multiple chapter violations of the fraternity's risk management policy and violations rules and regulations at the UA also led to the decision, he said. 

"Phi Kappa Psi takes a no-tolerance approach when it comes to the hazing of our members," Collinsworth said. "Any chapter participating in any activities that aim to humiliate or harm new members are acting in a way that contradicts our mission and values."

"The decision to cease chapter operations was not something taken lightly by the ruling body of the fraternity," Collinsworth said. "Members of the headquarters staff conducted a lengthy investigation of multiple allegations, in cooperation with the university.

Members of the UA chapter said they are frustrated with the way the situation unfolded.

Roberto said he thought someone from national office should have come to the campus to meet the chapter.

"I'm not quite sure where nationals decided, ‘Oh, we're just going to sit back in Indianapolis and kick them off without trying to improve them,'" Roberto said.

The 50 men who live in the fraternity house are allowed to stay put for the duration of the semester. However, after that, they must find alternative housing.

Three-year member Corey Malley said he is "going to miss feeling connected to something."

Malley also said the way nationals handle the situation was "poor at best."

"It was very quick…the first time you have a bad sales quarter, you don't shut down shop. You work. You refinance. You reorganize. You see what you can do to make it a better experience," Malley said.

Installed on the Tucson, Ariz. campus in 1947, 762 men have been initiated into the Arizona Alpha chapter, including "Mr. Phi Psi" Ralph "Dud" D. Daniel, the Fraternity's second executive director.

The UA chapter was one of its largest and most historic Phi Psi chapters.

Collinsworth said, "The Fraternity looks forward to returning to the campus in the near future and working with the university to bring a positive Phi Kappa Psi presence back to Tucson."

A new chapter of Phi Psi can start up in 2015 by anyone who is not an alumni of Phi Kappa Psi.

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