After Phi Delta Theta national headquarters and its University chapter clashed over alcohol policy last spring, the University chapter lost its charter. The national Phi Delta Theta headquarters will re-colonize the existing chapter and it will be alcohol free, while the old Phi Delta Theta brothers are starting a new fraternity.
Nationals suspended Phi Delta Theta's charter last spring because the members were hesitant to sign on to the fraternity's national ban on alcohol in houses, former Phi Delta Theta President Brendan Dignan said.
After nationals suspended the fraternity's charter last spring, the University revoked its Fraternal Organization Agreement and did not recognize its existence.
To keep former members together, the old members will change their name to Phi Delta Alpha and seek recognition from the Fraternity-Sorority Council, an umbrella group for non-traditional Greek organizations.
The approximately 60 Phi Delta Alpha members have "overwhelming support from our 800 living alumni and we continue to occupy the fraternity house at 1 University Circle," Dignan said.
Since Phi Delta Theta alumni and not the national headquarters own the house, Phi Delta Alpha will keep the house and the re-colonized Phi Delta Theta will have to seek a new house.
National Phi Delta Theta representatives will recruit new members during IFC rush next semester, but they will not give out bids until two weeks after IFC bid night. They then hopefully will form a "core group" of 20 to 25 men, said Moe Stephens, Phi Delta Theta national director of expansion.
But if the University grants Phi Delta Alpha an FOA, IFC President Justin Saunders said, it may gain IFC recognition and sponsorship during rush, although the new fraternity still will not be part of the IFC.
Stephens said the new colony will be an "alcohol-free facility," meaning chapter property will be dry.
The national chapter's insistence on alcohol-free premises caused the rift between the University chapter and national headquarters, Dignan said.
"Phi Delta Theta does not understand the social culture of the University" and will not budge, he said.
Asst. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said the University "enthusiastically supports the re-colonization of Phi Delta Theta" and is working with the members of Phi Delta Alpha in their quest for University recognition.
Stephens emphasized there is no animosity between nationals and the former Phi Delta Theta brothers.
"I wish the new group best of luck as the first dry fraternity at U.Va.," Dignan said.
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