MIKE CHIEN Lambda Chi Alpha has violated risk management
and alcohol policies, which has led to its probation for at least
four years.
By Dexter Gauntlett
Daily Bruin Contributor
UCLA’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha is no longer recognized
by the university in light of violations occurring over the last 2
1/2 years.
The Lambda Chi Alpha National Board issued a statement Jan. 2
which declared the chapter closed for a period of no less than four
years.
“This decision was made based on the chapter’s
repeated violation of Lambda Chi Alpha and the UCLA risk management
and alcohol policies throughout the past five academic
semesters,” read the statement.
Lambda Chi has since launched an appeal. Even if the appeals
process fails, the national fraternity will retain ownership of the
house, located on 10918 Strathmore Ave.
In previous revocations, fraternities explored the option of
operating the building as a boarding house. Under these conditions,
the current tenants would not be required to leave.
According to Robert Naples, Dean of Students and Assistant Vice
Chancellor of Student and Campus Life, the university has no
jurisdiction over the fate of the tenants.
“UCLA doesn’t own any part of the house,” he
said.
The fact that the fraternity is no longer recognized by the
Interfraternity Council ““ the Greek governing body composed
of each fraternity’s president ““ poses an insurance
threat to current tenants. A portion of the dues members are
required to pay go toward insurance provided by IFC. Since the
revocation, the liability lies with the owner of the house.
On Thursday, the Alumni Corporation Board of Epsilon Sigma Zeta
of Lambda Chi Alpha issued a contrasting rebuttal which contributed
to the ambiguity surrounding the revocation process.
“The general feeling of the (Lambda Chi) membership is
that many of the allegations made against the student members
appear to be circumspect and that the sanctions levied against the
chapter most certainly are excessive,” said the Lambda Chi
national board in the statement.
Members of Lambda Chi said they are dissatisfied with the
decision to revoke their charter.
“I think the university has blackballed us and singled us
out,” said Armando Fry, a fifth-year history student.
“They held us to different standards than other
fraternities.”
Naples said a fraternity must be in good standing with its
national organization to be officially recognized by the
university.
“And as (Lambda Chi) is no longer in good standing, we are
no longer in recognition of the fraternity,” Naples said.
IFC is responsible for promoting compliance with fraternity
policies and offers a program called GAMMA ““ Greeks for the
Advancement of Mature Management of Alcohol ““ where a group
of selected individuals patrol fraternities during their
functions.
Newly-elected IFC President Dean Ho said Lambda Chi’s
situation is unfortunate, but he must uphold IFC policy.
“The IFC is charged with enforcing policy for the safety
and welfare of its member organizations,” Ho said. “We
cannot condone the violation of these policies, and chapters who
violate them will be dealt with accordingly.”
Lambda Chi has scheduled a meeting with the national board for
mid-February to further discuss the issue.