Two Swarthmore Fraternities Will Disband

Two Swarthmore University fraternity chapters (Phi Psi and Delta Upsilon) say they are closing their doors in response to allegations of racist, misogynistic (which means strongly prejudiced against women) and homophobic behavior against past members that emerged in recent weeks. The disturbing accounts were included in documents from 2013 to 2016 that were leaked to two campus publications earlier this month. Both fraternities made the announcements on Facebook yesterday. The Delta Upsilon page read, “Over the last few weeks, Swarthmore Delta Upsilon has listened to the concerns and feelings of the campus community. After much discussion, the members of Delta Upsilon have unanimously decided that disbanding our fraternity is in the best interest of the Swarthmore community.” While the Phi Psi statement noted, “We were appalled and disgusted. We condemn sexual violence, racism, homophobia, misogyny, and discrimination in all of its forms, and we will continue as individuals to work to create a campus where these issues are eradicated completely.” The president of the prestigious Pennsylvania university, President Valerie Smith, condemned the documents and suspended all fraternity activity pending the results of an investigation to determine if any current students were involved in the behavior described.

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