Three chapters in Cornell's Greek system -- Acacia, Pi Kappa Phi and Tau Epsilon Phi -- have been placed on interim suspension by the university in response to reports alleging dangerous behavior, including hazing and high-risk drinking.

The allegations were the result of individuals reporting incidents, in particular via hazing.cornell.edu, and Cornell Police reports. All chapter activities will be suspended while the allegations are investigated.

"The university has no tolerance for behavior that places the health of any member of the Cornell community at risk," said Susan Murphy, vice president for student and academic services. "We also must address organizations that repeatedly disregard the rules and expectations. It is the university's responsibility to hold the organizations accountable for such actions when they do not hold themselves accountable."

All allegations will be subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities, which may include the Office of Fraternities, Sororities and Independent Living; the Office of the Judicial Administrator; Cornell Police; and the Ithaca Police Department. The findings of the investigations will determine whether further action is taken.

According to university officials, student leaders from the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) were consulted in the decision to place the chapters on interim suspension. The students supported the university's action to suspend the chapters and agreed that the circumstances of each allegation warranted the decision.

"This behavior will not be tolerated if we expect to sustain our system. It is in our best interest to take immediate and appropriate action on both an administrative and student level," said Christopher Sanders '13, IFC president. "Our overarching goal is transparency as we continue with the judicial process. From here on out, the IFC Executive Board will move forward with an unprecedented level of openness to reinforce the fact that individual chapters' actions have implications for the entire council."

Recent efforts to educate members of the Cornell community about what is inappropriate behavior have led to heightened awareness and increased reporting of incidents, said Travis Apgar, the Robert G. Engel Associate Dean of Students for fraternities, sororities and independent living.

"I am encouraged that those who observe dangerous behavior are reporting the incidents, so we can take actions to prevent further harm," Murphy said. "We take every report seriously, and we will act quickly and decisively to protect the well-being of our students. I trust these interim suspensions will cause any organization who might be thinking of choosing a path with their members that includes hazing or high-risk drinking to take pause; their actions will not be dismissed."

President David Skorton is currently reviewing recommendations made in response to his August 2011 challenge to fraternity and sorority leaders to "end pledging as we know it" at Cornell.