By Hannah Webb | News Editor
Baylor University confirmed Tuesday that Student Life officials sent a letter to Phi Kappa Chi, a Baylor-founded fraternity, amid rumors surrounding the organization’s absence from homecoming activities and allegations of hazing.
“We can confirm that a letter was sent from Student Life officials to the student organization,” Baylor said in a statement. “As the student conduct process is confidential, we cannot comment further on the matter.”
Baylor added that the university’s “highest priority is the safety and well-being of all students participating in co-curricular activities and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.”
The fraternity, also known as Phi Chi, did not perform at Pigskin Revue dress rehearsal Wednesday evening. The organization received second place in All-University Sing in the spring, qualifying it to compete in Pigskin Revue during homecoming.
Rumors circulated earlier this week that Phi Chi had been removed from Pigskin Revue and the homecoming parade float competition.
A source with direct knowledge of Phi Chi’s new-member process alleged that members experienced hazing, including verbal abuse, sleep deprivation and pressure to prioritize fraternity activities over academics. The source agreed to speak to The Lariat on the condition of anonymity.
The source said that the new members were “hazed pretty hard.”
The source described an environment in which members were subjected to screaming and verbal insults, including being called derogatory names. He also said members were reprimanded for failing to memorize Bible verses.
According to its website, “Phi Kappa Chi is a locally founded Christian fraternity at Baylor University. Since 1988, Phi Chi has built a brotherhood of men committed to Christ and to one another.”
The source said the members “weren’t treated as Christians” but rather “as lesser.”
The source also alleged that members experienced sleep deprivation, saying some were kept awake for extended periods and monitored to prevent them from sleeping.
He said the fraternity’s expectations sometimes conflicted with members’ academic responsibilities, alleging that members were encouraged to prioritize fraternity involvement over coursework.
“They don’t know the difference between hazing and new-member education,” the source said.
The source said he received information that the report to Student Life came from someone still affiliated with Phi Chi, rather than from members who left the organization.
Baylor’s Hazing Transparency Report also lists a previous hazing violation involving Phi Kappa Chi in February 2025. The university issued a formal finding of responsibility in March 2025 for “hazing including abandonment, servitude, activity that may subject a student to undue mental stress, shame or humiliation, and an unreasonable risk of harm.”
Sanctions, which began April 17, 2025, included chapter probation through May 6, 2026.
Baylor’s hazing policy defines hazing as conduct that may endanger or adversely affect a student’s mental or physical health, dignity or safety for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The university defines a “new member” as anyone who has been accepted by, is considering an offer of membership from or is in the process of qualifying for membership in an organization. Baylor uses the term “new member” in place of “pledge,” prohibits hazing and outlines disciplinary consequences for violations.
Phi Chi declined to comment on the allegations.
Student Life officials could not be reached for comment.
