Lehigh University has kicked a sorority off its campus after it organized a scavenger hunt a university disciplinary panel called 'a significant and reprehensible event.'

Alpha Chi Omega's Theta Chi chapter has lost its Lehigh campus recognition for two years, starting March 5 of this year until May 31, 2020.

The sorority, which can appeal the finding, must vacate its sorority house once the disciplinary process resolves.

The sorority held a scavenger hunt (road rally) on Dec. 8, which "involved the use of drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, and other activities that violate Lehigh University policy," according to the university's Lehigh Greeks blogs.

The chapter was placed on interim university suspension on Dec. 12 and its national headquarters also directed it to "cease and desist all activities," according to the posting.

Lehigh's Title IX Coordinator Karen Salvemini launched an investigation that culminated in a March 5 disciplinary hearing where the sorority was found responsible of hazing and related offenses.

Alpha Chi Omega cooperated with the investigation, turning over the scavenger hunt list and documented examples of member's completed tasks, according to Lehigh. But the disciplinary panel found the sorority had violated many university rules.

While members may have willingly joined in the hunt, that does not stop it from being considered hazing under Lehigh's Code of Conduct, the university found.

"AXO created a situation that occurred on and off campus involving morally questionable quests such as a scavenger hunt, treasure hunts, etc.," the university writes on the blog. "The acts described may not have been required for affiliation into the organization, but are clearly considered a rite of passage and a consistent part of membership in AXO."

By the time the sorority can resume operations at Lehigh, all of the current members, who are aware of the tradition, will have graduated, which was intentional, the university notes.

"This incident was a significant, reprehensible event that the entire chapter was aware of and leadership endorsed. This event did not only take place this year, but there is credible information that this event has been going on for years," the university found. "The panel is deeply concerned about the escalated nature of the content of this year's list and we are unconvinced that this escalation wouldn't continue."

The university found that the sorority's current track record did not lead the panel to have confidence in the chapter's ability to act in a manner that shows care and concern for the health and safety of its members.

"This type of behavior is simply unacceptable considering the current climate on college campuses," the university found.

The sorority can apply to the university's Dean of Student Offices in 2020 to start the recognition process again.

The national organization conducted its own on-campus investigation in December that resulted in probationary terms for the chapter and individual punishments.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.