AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts Amherst has sanctioned two fraternities while the school investigates whether they violated the student code of conduct.
Phi Sigma Kappa and Theta Chi are the fraternities in question. The former is under investigation after police responded on Sept. 10 to a disturbance at the frat house, where a fight allegedly broke out and a 17-year-old reportedly had his ear bitten. The fraternity has been temporarily barred from hosting or sponsoring events at its North Pleasant Street house while the investigation proceeds, according to university spokesman Ed Blaguszewski. Theta Chi has been placed on interim suspension after a Sept. 16 party at their North Pleasant Street house, Blaguszewski said.
“These things are in the process of being reviewed,” Blaguszewski told the Gazette. “Because they’re ongoing investigations, we can’t say much.”
Police logs show that an officer responded to a report of a fight at Phi Sigma Kappa at around 2 a.m. on Sept. 10. The police report says an officer spoke with the fraternity president, who said a large fight had broken out. In his statement, Blaguszewski said, “During the disturbance, a 17-year-old sustained injuries when his ear was bitten.”
As for Theta Chi, Blaguszewski declined to give details, saying only that there was a party there on Sept. 16 and that the fraternity is under investigation after that party.
“The university immediately responds to situations of concern and potential violations of university policy involving fraternities and sororities, taking these situations very seriously,” Blaguszewski said in his statement. “It works closely with fraternities and sororities on strategies to make them successful student organizations.”
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.