May 21, 2013

Dear Brothers, Parents and Friends of Beta at Carnegie Mellon University:

cc: General Fraternity Officers

Beta Undergraduates

Beta Volunteers

Beta Parents

Founded in 1920, the Gamma Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Carnegie Mellon University currently includes 114 undergraduate members.

While many individual undergraduate members have excelled in their own collegiate pursuits, behaviors and attitudes within the chapter continue to exist which are incongruent with the values of Beta Theta Pi and Carnegie Mellon University.

Most recently, all chapter activities were suspended when the University police began an investigation into the alleged unlawful distribution of photos of a sexual nature involving members and non-members that were circulated on the chapter's email listserve. During the Fraternity's investigation, hazing activities within the chapter's pledge education program became evident, which broadened the scope of the related inquiry. These activities were confirmed during a University Police investigation (that is still ongoing) and corroborated through an independent investigation by the Fraternity. Remarkably, during the course of the investigation, the chapter hosted an unauthorized social event which violated the Fraternity and University orders to cease operations.

As a result of the chapter’s behavior, the Fraternity’s Board of Trustees has concluded that – in keeping with our commitment to Beta's core mission – a period of closure of the Gamma Iota Chapter is the most appropriate course of action. Carnegie Mellon’s administration, who engaged with us throughout our review, has offered its full and unequivocal support of this decision by the Fraternity.

To be clear, Beta’s primary mission is to develop men of principle for a principled life and build strong Beta chapters across North America. Unfortunately, when self-governance at the chapter level fails to align a chapter and its members’ actions with Beta's founding principles, it is essential for the Fraternity’s and host institution’s leadership to intervene in order to protect the well-being of all individuals and ensure a long-term, successful presence on campus.

This decision to close Gamma Iota has not come lightly. It was made only after thoughtful consideration of the chapter's culture over a multitude of years, collaborative conversations with the university, and meaningful reflection on the principles of our Fraternity and what is in the best long-term interest of Beta Theta Pi.

The General Fraternity and University have agreed to an initial period of suspension and disbandment of the Gamma Iota Chapter through the end of the 2016-17 academic year. During this period of closure, the General Fraternity will petition the IFC for recolonization and the University has committed to providing a letter supporting consideration of Beta's future re-establishment.

I have no doubt that this news of the chapter’s closure is difficult for all Gamma Iota undergraduates, alumni, parents and supporters. I offer you my heartfelt condolences and assurance that, while painful in the short-term, the General Fraternity will work incredibly hard with Gamma Iota alumni, Carnegie Mellon’s administration and the IFC to demonstrate that a strong chapter can eventually be reinstalled on the Pittsburgh campus – one that exemplifies the historic tradition that has always been associated with Beta Theta Pi.

I have asked Director of Chapter Operations John Reineke to respond to any questions and concerns you may have, as I am staying in consistent contact with our staff in Oxford. Likewise, if you would be willing to work with alumni and other interested parties to aid in the recolonization of Gamma Iota, please contact him at 800.800.BETA.

Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,

David E. Schmidt, South Florida ’92

General Secretary