Theta Chi fraternity at UW-Madison suspended after underage drinking, wild tailgate party

The Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been suspended from all university activities until October, due to a series of student conduct violations in November.

The student-led Committee on Student Organizations found the chapter violated the code of conduct in the following situations:

• On Nov. 4, three underage women consumed alcohol at a party at the Theta Chi house. One was a high school student who became incapacitated and was taken to the hospital for detoxification treatment. Her friends reported that the drug Rohypnol was found in her system.
• On Nov. 18, Madison police shut down a tailgate party at the chapter house after members disregarded warnings that the crowd had grown too large. An underage woman was found to be drinking alcohol and reported hard liquor also was being served.
• On Nov. 20, it was reported to a Fraternity and Sorority Life staff member that a Theta Chi member sent a text message to a woman asking her to write the Greek letters for theta and chi and "rush" on her breasts, and then send him a photograph.

The fraternity will be unable to admit a fall pledge class or hold events and activities while suspended through October. Chapter members also will be required to complete workshops on healthy and respectful relationships and sexual consent. 

After the suspension ends, the fraternity will be on probation with alcohol restrictions until Nov. 25. It will then be on general probation until Nov. 18, 2019.