College Bars Alcohol Use, Hazing at Greek Houses

The president of Cal State Chico banned alcohol and hazing at fraternities and sororities after student deaths and serious injuries related to the organizations.

The university will require the groups to register with school officials, meet a minimum grade-point average and end hazing, President Paul Zingg said Thursday.

If hazing and alcohol abuse continue, he said, he will dismantle the Greek system. “They’re here for the moment, but only here if they react positively to these terms,” he said.

In February, fraternity pledge Matthew Carrington, 21, died after drinking large amounts of water during an initiation rite at an unrecognized fraternity. Seven of the frat’s members face criminal charges for allegedly participating in the incident.

A task force of university officials and students crafted the new rules.

Michelle Dobin, the Panhellenic president who was on the task force, said she and other student leaders suggested many of the guidelines.

“It’s important we do this for the Greek system to survive and to grow stronger,” she said.

“Obviously, it was time for a change,” she said.

But Jim Matthews, treasurer of the Tau Gamma Theta Alumni Assn. in Chico, said the changes were unrealistic.