University Bans Parties on Frat Row

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis fraternities are banned from having parties, until further notice. University administration says it's a pre-emptive measure, but members of one fraternity say they're being punished for something they didn't do.

For at least the next couple of weekends, fraternity row will be a little quieter. The administration at the University of Memphis banned all social activities, including parties.

Dr. William Porter, Dean of Students says, "This is the first time we have felt the whole system needed this kind of action."

The social suspension is in effect for all 10 fraternities in the Interfraternity Council, including the Zeta Beta Tau's.

ZBT Chair, Shrief Nashaat says, "I do not think it's fair. ZBT is one of the fraternities that did not do anything wrong."

The ban comes after a series of attention grabbing headlines. Last month, someone painted red swastikas on the ZBT's house, a historically Jewish fraternity. The FBI is now investigating it as a hate crime. A week later, three Kappa Alpha pledges were arrested after trying to allegedly steal a statue from a home on South Holmes. The homeowner held them at gunpoint until police arrived.

Nashaat says, "We believe the university should punish these fraternities that did the actions and not punish everyone."

But, the Dean of Students says it's a system wide issue that involves virtually all fraternities in one way or another.

Dr. Porter says, "We were essentially calling a time out, a halt to all fraternity social events or the time being, until we have time to do training and refresh the memories on how to handle social events."

The Dean of Students is now requiring at least 50% of the fraternities' membership participate in a risk management program and come up with a plan on how to manage chapter events. He expects the suspension to last a couple of weeks.

Dr. Porter says, "We really have a system here, a fraternity system usually does not have a lot of trouble with parties and events. We are concerned that our organizations do not get into a situation where something serious happens, someone gets hurt or involved in underage drinking, to where they're not only violating rules but placing someone at risk."

If the fraternities continue to have parties while being socially suspended, they could risk suspension of all activities.