By Hannah Webb | News Editor
Baylor University will allow Phi Kappa Chi to participate in Pigskin Revue and the Homecoming Parade after the fraternity admitted to hazing, the university said Thursday.
In a statement to The Lariat, Baylor said it received “credible, confidential information” alleging hazing within the fraternity last weekend. Given the seriousness of the allegations and potential violations of state and federal anti-hazing laws, the university issued an immediate cease and desist of all chapter operations.
Since then, the fraternity has admitted to behaviors violating university policies, including its anti-hazing policy, Baylor said. The university plans to sanction the organization early next week.
Baylor said it decided to allow the fraternity to participate in homecoming activities because of its “admission of responsibility, demonstrated contrition, and willingness to accept consequences.”
“Baylor University has a zero-tolerance policy toward hazing in any form,” the statement said.
In a statement to The Lariat, Phi Kappa Chi expressed gratitude for the university’s decision.
“On behalf of our entire Phi Kappa Chi organization, we are grateful for Baylor’s responsiveness and availability for discussions related to our participation in Homecoming this weekend,” the statement reads. “Phi Kappa Chi recognizes the challenging dynamic our actions created for the University and we appreciate their willingness to still allow us to participate.”
The fraternity also said it appreciated the “grace Baylor has afforded Phi Chi at this stage of the disciplinary process” and would “strive to make the Baylor family proud.”
The Lariat previously reported allegations of hazing within Phi Chi, including verbal abuse, sleep deprivation and pressure to prioritize fraternity activities over academics. A source with direct knowledge of the fraternity’s new-member process spoke to The Lariat on the condition of anonymity.
