IFC removes Beta from Greek Week competition

04/03/09 - The University of Rhode Island Interfraternity Council decided yesterday morning to ban Beta Theta Pi fraternity from all Greek Week events as a result of campus alcohol policy violations by a handful of fraternity brothers.Phil Bowers, president of IFC, declined to comment on the specific actions that contributed to Beta's removal , but said, "There were a few incidences of individual members acting inappropriately."

"Basically, there's a certain way you're expected act," he said. "We don't want to kick anyone out, but we have to uphold our standards."

The incidents, all of which occurred during the weekend, were alcohol related.

The president of Beta, Frazer Dvorin, did not disclose the exact amount of individuals responsible, but said there were "a handful." URI Police were not involved.

Dvorin said he was not present at Greek Week events on Saturday, and did not recall the specific events during which Beta brothers violated campus alcohol policies.

"It's a disappointment to us and the Greek community as a whole," he said. "It's sad the consequences we have to pay as a chapter."

Dvorin said that the dismissal is especially disappointing, as Beta had won multiple Greek Week events.

"This is our first strike in a long time," he said, adding, "This is something that's never happened before, so it will be interesting to see what happens."

In addition to being banned from Greek Week, the individual brothers responsible for the alcohol infractions will be referred to the Greek judiciary system.

"The Greek community as a whole is trying to move forward from the fraternity stereotype ..., and that of 'Animal House,'" Dvorin said. "We have to stand strong together and hold ourselves to higher standards. It's a disappointment to all those who put their heart and soul into this."

Dvorin said Beta will continue to perform community service and stand for the cultivation of intellect, leadership and responsible social behavior.

Phi Sigma Sigma, Beta's Greek week partner, will still be competing in events and were not penalized.