ZTA Alpha Chapter Closed

In an e-mail sent to all faculty and staff of Longwood University, Tim Pierson announced that, "Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) Fraternity International and Longwood University regret to announce the closure of the Alpha Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha at Longwood University. This is a joint action of Zeta Tau Alpha International Headquarters and Longwood University."

The closing was announced less than a month after the chapter had been reinstated with sanctions for violations of policy by both the ZTA International Headquarters and Longwood University.

The chapter was brought up for reviewed in March after allegations of hazing and underage drinker were received via the National Hazing Hotline. But after a comprehensive review was conducted, the chapter was reinstated on April 5, 2009 with clear restrictions and expectations of how the chapter was to be run.

According to the e-mail, these restrictions were upheld and further sanctions were applied during a Longwood University judicial hearing on April 24, 2009. After both of these processes were completed, it was brought to the attention of the ZTA International Headquarters that the chapter continued to violate standards, policies, and sanctions, which resulted in the April 25, 2009 decision by the ZTA International Headquarters to close the Alpha.

On May 18-19, 2009 representatives from ZTA International Headquarters will be conducting hearings with current chapter members in regards to their individual membership status with Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. At the same time, Longwood University will conduct an administrative hearing for the chapter.

In a press release, National President Laura Ladewig Mauro said, "all of Zeta Tau Alpha is deeply disappointed that the members of Alpha Chapter have shown disregard for the standards of conduct and expectations of behavior that our Fraternity values. Closing any chapter is a painful decision; closing your first chapter is difficult beyond words. But all chapters must abide by the ideals and principles of our sisterhood if they wish to remain a part of our organization."

For more information about this decision, see http://www.longwood.edu/ofsl/