Ohio State has pulled the plug on the Kappa chapter of Kappa Delta Rho, revoking its recognition as a registered student organization after investigators found violations of the university’s hazing and alcohol policies. The decision, which follows an interim suspension that began earlier this semester, removes the chapter’s campus recognition through May 5, 2030. While the revocation is in place, the fraternity loses its university affiliation, advising and access to campus privileges.
What Student-Conduct Files Say
According to Ohio State Student Conduct, investigators found that during the 2022–23 academic year, chapter members directed new recruits to take part in humiliating activities. Those included a new-member talent show, required calisthenics and eating unusual food combinations that were likely to cause vomiting. Investigators also concluded the chapter provided, or made easily available, alcohol to some new members who were under 21.
The public hazing report from Ohio State Student Conduct describes incidents in which bottles and cans were thrown from a balcony onto a public street and notes that the group held events while under interim suspension. The chapter’s case file also includes a Columbus Division of Police narrative tied to an April 29, 2023 incident at a house on E. 14th Avenue, where a person was treated at a hospital after being struck by a thrown object.
University Action And The Appeal Window
The university’s move to revoke the chapter’s registered-student-organization status through May 5, 2030 is intended to enforce the Code of Student Conduct and prioritize student safety, according to officials. In a statement to The Lantern, spokesperson Dave Isaacs said the chapter “may petition the Office of Student Life to return to campus” only after showing it can operate in line with university policies.
The revocation follows an interim suspension that went into effect earlier this spring. The Lantern reported that the fraternity has a limited window to appeal the decision.
Where This Fits On Campus
The disciplinary action is the latest in a run of sanctions against Greek organizations at Ohio State in recent years. Sorority and Fraternity Life lists multiple fraternities that have been placed on probation or had their recognition revoked, and notes that another chapter lost its status last year, underscoring a continued emphasis on enforcement.
Meanwhile, another fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, was placed on interim suspension in late March after an event that left a student hospitalized, reporting by WOSU Public Media shows.
Legal Consequences And Next Steps
Ohio’s anti-hazing statute, commonly known as Collin’s Law, creates criminal penalties when hazing that involves coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs results in serious physical harm, and Ohio State requires Collin’s Law anti-hazing training for chapters and members. The university’s conduct paperwork cites Collin’s Law reporting and education requirements and directs readers to the public Collin’s Law report for details on how institutions publish violations and outcomes.
The Office of Student Conduct will handle any appeal of the revocation and oversee any future restoration timeline if the chapter seeks reinstatement after the revocation period ends.
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