Purdue’s Interfraternity Council bans hard alcohol

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Purdue’s governing bodies for the Greek system are implementing changes due to risky behavior associated with hard alcohol use.

The Interfraternity Council – the governing body for 42 fraternities on Purdue’s campus – voted to ban all beverages with 15 percent alcohol content from all functions. The new policy means no alcohol with a 30-proof or higher will be allowed.

Interfraternity Council president Matt Gebbie said the the organization places a high priority on the health and safety of students.

“We feel that this policy will help keep our community and its guests safe,” Gebbie said.

The Panhellenic Association – the governing body for 20 sororities at Purdue – adopted a resolution stating members should refrain from consuming hard alcohol and not encourage its purchase during functions.

Panhellenic Association president Bri Read said it is important to be a part of the solution.

The Greek council also outlined new formal sanctions for violations, which previously didn’t exist.

First Offense: An organization’s first offense for an alcohol-related violation will carry 16 weeks of social probation, a $1,000 fine and required educational programs.

Repeat Offense: A repeat offense will carry a maximum one year of probation, a $1,000 fine and educational requirements. Alcohol policy violations will be cleared from use in determining a repeat violation after two years.

Brandon Cutler, assistant dean of students and director of Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life, said he was impressed with the community leadership and the efforts to make Purdue a safer place.

“This legislation is a wonderful example of the quality and character of our young people at Purdue and their willingness to address difficult issues as a community,” Cutler said.