Beta Upsilon Chi, a registered religious/spiritual student organization and a Christian fraternity on campus, is under formal investigation by the Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Disability Services following allegations that the fraternity discriminated against members based on their sexual orientation, according to Dean of Students Mark Bandas.
"An individual has come forward," Bandas told The Hustler in an e-mail Monday. “Other parties with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students.”
Bandas said a review of all student organizations is being conducted to ensure compliance with the university’s nondiscrimination policy.
“… The Office of the Dean of Students, in consultation with the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Disability Services and the Office of the General Counsel, will conduct a review of the constitutions of other student organizations to ensure compliance with our non-discrimination policy,” Bandas said. “ As questions arise, we may contact student organization leaders for additional information about their groups' policies and practices.”
The formal investigation comes after two former members of the Christian fraternity Beta Upsilon Chi contacted The Hustler with allegations that they had been the targets of discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
Bandas told The Hustler on Nov. 8, after the story was published, that a formal complaint must be made to the Office of the Dean of Students for a formal investigation to be launched.
"We expect all student organizations to abide by our non-discrimination policies," Bandas told The Hustler." As an institution, we value our diverse student body. Each and every member of our community is worthy of respect. Dialogue between persons with different histories, cultures, beliefs, values and ways of life are productive of learning and help us fulfill our purpose as an academic community."
