It’s the end of the line for the Fresno State Theta Chi Fraternity. The group’s national chapter has revoked its Fresno charter.
The move comes about a month after the drinking of fraternity pledge Phlip Dhanens.
CBS 47’s Lemor Abrams reports on reaction from students.
“Not mad...it's just....ha... (sigh)…”
Theta Chi brothers were in no mood to talk Friday night.
Each one walked away from our cameras.
They were distraught over the news that national fraternity leaders revoked their chapter over a binge drinking incident that claimed the life of an 18-year old pledge this summer.
“I didn't know they got revoked but I feel like that's pretty much correct because someone dying...that's pretty big,” Kappa Alpha Psi brother Kenny Umeh.
This week search warrants revealed that Philip Dhanens, a freshman at Fresno State, died from binge drinking when he was locked in a room with 15 other pledges.
He was told not to come out until all the liquor was gone.
The coroner revealed alcohol caused his brain to swell.
His blood alcohol level was 0.36...5 times the legal driving limit.
Losing its charter means the fraternity is done at Fresno State.
The brothers cannot call themselves Theta Chi’s or even identify with the frat with any symbolic clothes.
“They want these organizations and their chapters to be a bit more responsible in how they're dealing with underage drinking...which is becoming a bit more common,” said CBS 47 Legal Analyst Carl Faller.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Paul M. Oliaro released a statement saying, "given the severity of this tragedy and the circumstances that are coming to light, it is the appropriate course of action."
The University suspended the chapter last month pending police investigation.
The case is now in the hands of the District Attorney.
