Another one bites the dust: LSU's Lambda Chi fraternity shuts down

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Another LSU fraternity has been shut down, this time in a move prompted by the fraternity leaders who deemed the chapter "unsafe."

The LSU chapter of Lambda Chi was closed officially this past Sunday after a vote of the fraternity's national Board of Directors.

It's unclear what exactly prompted the decision, which appeared to take the university by surprise.

"Based on the recent chapter history, the fraternity Board concluded that the chapter was unsafe and didn't promote a healthy environment or one conducive to learning or personal development" the fraternity wrote in a statement.

"Under the terms of the closure, no individual may represent Lambda Chi Alpha or the Upsilon chapter in any manner on the Louisiana State University campus, including social events, intramurals, and the Inter- Fraternity Council."

LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard said LSU was contacted by Lambda Chi's national organization about the decision on Oct. 9. A meeting took place with the students of Lambda Chi on Oct. 22 to let them know about the decision.

Tad Lichtenauer, spokesman for the national headquarters of Lambda Chi Alpha, said the decision was not motivated by any new allegations of bad behavior.

"No incident and not kicked off," he said in an email. "Our board voted to close the chapter based on a pattern of history that doesn't reflect our standards."

Lambda Chi was already on university probation for hazing through May 31, 2019. After the previous incident of hazing, the national headquarters imposed an additional sanction that prevented members from living in the fraternity house last spring and this fall, which means no members were displaced by the closure.

It's unclear if and when Lambda Chi would be allowed to return to LSU.

Lamda Chi's departure from campus comes as LSU administrators have vowed to scrutinize and root out bad behavior from fraternities and sororities. Last month, 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died after police say he was forced to drink in a hazing ritual at the Phi Delta Theta house, police said. His blood alcohol level was 0.495.

Phi Delta Theta was shut down immediately following his death.

Acacia, Sigma Chi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi fraternities are also currently banned from campus for bad behavior, though they can return after a period of years. Delta Sigma Theta is the only sorority that is kicked off campus.

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