by Madeleine Thompson

Last week, the Delta Phi (DPhi) fraternity was placed on suspended recognition until January 2015. According to DPhi President Henry Heuck ’15 and Vice President Zach Hardin ’15, the suspension is the result of a rush infraction.

“What that entails is that we’ve lost division [and] we cannot hold any official fraternal events, but that will be reinstated in full standing next January,” Heuck said, acknowledging that this consequence is a routine response to rush infractions.

The fraternity was required to complete sanctions last year for a hazing violation and an active member was arrested off-campus in February, but Heuck does not believe there were additional reasons for the suspension and feels the fraternity has been “treated fairly.” Hardin added that there was “definitely an open dialogue” between the DPhis and the administration.

This discussion lasted over the past couple of months, according to Hardin, as the administration and fraternity decided what the appropriate consequence should be. “Ultimately, they did decide to have us lose our recognition for one semester, but that was the infraction that was placed upon us and we’ve come to accept it,” Hardin said.

Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities Samantha Hughes and Associate Dean of Students Chris Kennerly — both of whom declined to comment for this article — worked with the fraternity on the matter. Dean of Students Hank Toutain also declined to comment, due to the ongoing nature of the case; Heuck and Hardin said the DPhis have filed an appeal of the suspension that is currently under consideration.

“I think [the suspension] may be harsh, though I’m not qualified to make such decisions,” Heuck said. “I know that there were several rush infractions. Delta Phi was certainly not the only one.” He added, however, that he thinks the administration treats Greek life fairly overall. “I’d like to believe that I go to a school that treats everyone fairly.”

Neither Heuck nor Hardin expects this setback to place a long-term burden on the fraternity, but plan to exercise “better preparation” upon their reinstatement, Hardin said, though he and Heuck agreed there are “some things you can’t prepare for.”

Heuck expressed disappointment at the suspension of the fraternity, which has been at Kenyon since 1940, but he is looking to the future. “We’re … dedicated to maintaining our positive relationship on campus next January,” Heuck said.