After a heavily publicized hazing incident last fall and several months of investigation, the University of Alberta has decided to suspend the Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) fraternity for the next five years.
According to a university press release, the DKE chapter will no longer be able to identify itself as part of the school in any way. The group has also lost its liquor and gaming license.
Last October, the U of A student newspaper, the Gateway, received a video apparently showing DKE members depriving pledges of sleep, trapping them in a plywood box and forcing them to eat human vomit at their annual rush.
“The university has taken this serious action as a result of its concern over the safety and well-being of students and the university community, and this is achieved by suspending the group,” said Frank Robinson, the university’s dean of students.
The group also faces formal charges for violating individual safety and dignity, but no individual students were charged. Robinson said the DKE chapter can apply to have the suspension in three years, provided they show good behaviour and a thorough plan for future group activities.
In a statement on its official website, Delta Kappa Epsilon International also said it would be suspending the U of A chapter for the next three years.