Public Announcement on Sorority & Fraternity Life

Student safety is our top priority at Eastern Washington University. As parents, family members, and loved ones, you play a key role in creating and maintaining a safe community. When there is something that may jeopardize the safety of students, we want to share this information readily. Unrecognized student organizations may pose a risk to student safety and we, recently, had one lose recognition – Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Fraternities and sororities must maintain certain standards of operations to be recognized by Eastern Washington University and their (inter)National Organizations. When these standards are not upheld and safety is not centered, recognition is withdrawn. Recognition is a critical component for the safety of students as this provides oversight of the organization by university staff and policies, requires members to complete educational programs, and holds organizations accountable to high standards. Any student group that operates outside of the university’s oversight and/or that of their national organization poses additional safety concerns.

Phi Delta Theta fraternity was found responsible for hazing and therefore, EWU and their National Organization withdrew recognition of the Phi Delta Theta – Washington Epsilon Chapter. For those impacted, we are providing resources and support.

As a parent it is important to know that, in most circumstances when a sorority or fraternity does not have University recognition, a fraternity or sorority national organization will close or suspend chapter operations for a period. This is not the case with Kappa Sigma, another fraternity that is not recognized by EWU. This group operates outside of the university’s oversight and does not adhere to the policies and procedures of EWU. EWU students are advised not to join unrecognized groups as they are not part of the EWU community.

Please take the time to have a conversation with your student about the dangers of hazing and the importance of being a part of a recognized organization. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Contact Elise Brehmer, Assistant Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life at ebrehmer1@ewu.edu or 509-359-6718.