University recommends closure of Delta Sigma Phi chapter, according to national organization

The University has moved for closure of its Delta Sigma Phi chapter, according to a recent email from Phil Rodriguez, executive director of Delta Sigma Phi's national organization.

Last week, Rodriguez wrote in an email to alumni of the Duke chapter that this decision was due to "risk management incidents," but did not specify what those incidents were. Rodriguez wrote in the email that DSig plans to appeal this decision at an upcoming hearing. 

"Reoccurring risk management incidents over the past 12 months led to the University stating they could no longer recommend the chapter in operation," he wrote.

According to the Housing and Residence Life website, the group is not listed as a house for the upcoming academic year. 

In the email, Rodriguez added that Duke began to work with the DSig chapter and the national organization on an "advancement plan," which included better risk management practices and training. However, after an "incident" in the Fall semester and this Spring, "the University felt they had no additional choice but to recommend closure."

When initially asked why the fraternity did not have housing, Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs, declined to answer. When later asked what the "risk management incidents" were and to confirm that Duke was recommending closure, Moneta declined to comment. Junior Brendan Quinlan, president of the chapter, did not respond to requests for comment.

Rodriguez added in an email to The Chronicle that the national organization is committed to its chapters.

"When incidents occur, our number one priority is ensuring the safety of our brothers and working to mitigate any future issues by partnering with our alumni and university leaders," he wrote in the email to The Chronicle. "Both our chapter leaders and the national organization are eager to share our vision on how we can work together to move our chapter forward with its nearly 100 year history at Duke."

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