Industry Update Provided by NPC

This week

MLive reports Sigma Kappa and Theta Chi at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) have reached settlements with survivors of sexual assault, according to federal court records. The organizations were named in a pair of 2020 lawsuits that are now combined with 24 claims of sexual assault, as well as accusations EMU mishandled the cases. The lawsuit has been in mediation since early February, and Sigma Kappa and Theta Chi have been dismissed from the lawsuit after mediation. Delta Tau Delta was also dropped from the lawsuit in December 2021 after reaching a settlement with eight women. Multiple student protests have emerged over the last year to criticize the fraternal organizations in the lawsuit, as well as EMU’s handling of sexual misconduct and assault on campus.

According to KNTV, six months after a University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) student's tragic death in the wake of a charity boxing match, the university is making recommendations for change. Nathan Valencia, a 20-year-old UNLV student, died in late November from injuries he received during Kappa Sigma's fight night. A newly shared report from UNLV detailed what student organizations and the university should do differently. This included calls for stronger communication, accountability, and oversight. No criminal charges were filed in Valencia's death but there is an ongoing civil lawsuit. A motion to dismiss that case filed by some of the defendants is scheduled to be heard in court next week. The Nevada Athletic Commission expanded its oversight of amateur boxing. Fight organizers are now required to have emergency medical personnel on site.

Last week

According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, all 23 defendants have reached settlements in a hazing lawsuit against the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and local fraternity members at the University of Missouri. The lawsuit surrounds former student Danny Santulli, who suffered severe brain injuries from alcohol poisoning he experienced at the Phi Gamma Delta house in October 2021. This follows the announcement from university officials that 13 fraternity members were being sanctioned.

Government Relations

Kappa Alpha Theta is excited to participate in the inaugural Freedom of Association Institute, taking place from Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 2022, in Chicago. Students from across the fraternity and sorority community will learn how to advocate for freedom of association on their campus. They will hear from fraternity and sorority industry experts, legal and advocacy experts, and campus professionals, and as well as will learn skills they can take home to protect their experience. The ideal candidate is a rising sophomore or junior and a leader on their campus. The application is available now, with a deadline of Friday, June 3, 2022, at midnight EDT/9:00 p.m. PDT. If you have any questions about the Freedom of Association Institute or the application process, please contact Director of Government Relations Alicia Lee. 

Office Closing for (U.S.) Memorial Day

The Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation offices will be closed Friday, May 27, and Monday, May 30, in recognition of the (U.S.) Memorial Day holiday.

Theta Blogs

• Mental Health Matters: A Resource Refresh
• Feeling Crispy? 5 Tips to Manage Your Burnout
• College Moxie’s Tips on Caring for Mental Health
• Taking Care of Our Own Wellbeing

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• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 
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