Delta Sigma Phi Loses Brownstone, Suspended By National Fraternity

Upper West Side NY

14 August, 2021

2:08 PM

Description

Columbia Daily Spectator BY STELLA PAGKASAUGUST 14, 2021 Delta Sigma Phi, which was recently suspended by its national fraternity association, has lost possession of its Columbia-owned brownstone for the 2021-22 academic year. During the 2021-22 academic year, the brownstone will house transfer students as well as students from two Special Interest Communities: Application Development Initiative and Muse House. The ADI is a community for students interested in technical designs and building projects, and Muse House is a space for students who are passionate about music. A selection committee composed of students and staff members will determine who will live in the house the following year. The Beta chapter and the University declined to comment on why the fraternity lost the brownstone, which is located one block off of Frat Row at 531 W. 113th St. The chapter, which was first established in 1901, acquired the brownstone a few years after it was reinstated with national recognition in March 2001. Allegations of hazing and harassment by members have also come to light in recent months, and the chapter has been suspended by the Delta Sigma Phi National Fraternity until December 31, 2022, purportedly for the same reasons that the fraternity lost its Columbia brownstone. "The health and safety of members is top priority for Delta Sigma Phi, and the Beta chapter at Columbia held our members accountable to those standards. We unequivocally condemn the harmful actions of previous members," said Phil Rodriguez, executive director of the National Fraternity. In 2023, Delta Sigma Phi will have the opportunity to return as a nationally recognized chapter at Columbia on a probationary basis. According to the National Fraternity, this reinstatement would include training by both the Delta Sigma Phi National Fraternity and Columbia, which will "help future students better understand how to create a positive fraternity experience." "Delta Sigma Phi has immense respect for the Columbia community and looks forward to working with the university to return the chapter when appropriate," Rodriguez said. "Fraternity at its best helps men develop the skills to lead boldly and do what is right, and we hope to embody those ideals in our future efforts." Staff writer Stella Pagkas can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @stellapagkas. Founded in 1877, the Columbia Daily Spectator is the independent undergraduate newspaper of Columbia University, serving thousands of readers in Morningside Heights, West Harlem, and beyond. Read more at columbiaspectator.com and donate here.