Pictured is a row of MSU fraternities on Nov. 21, 2017 on Abbot Road.
All hard alcohol has been banned from fraternity chapter facilities effective immediately, according to a press release from the Michigan State University Interfraternity Council (IFC), which oversees more than 25 fraternities.
The ban is on all drinks above 15 percent alcohol by volume, except when it is served by a licensed third-party vendor. The press release said this policy comes in response to an Aug. 27 decision by the North American Interfraternity Conference to eliminate hard alcohol from chapter facilities by Sept. 1, 2019.
The IFC voted unanimously to implement this policy Oct. 10.
In its press release, the council said eliminating hard alcohol from fraternity events marks a step in a new direction for MSU's campus culture.
"We look forward to a bright future in which both our members and guests foster a safer environment for everyone," the release reads.
Greek life on MSU’s campus has a checkered history with alcohol use. Sigma Chi, formerly located on Grand River Avenue, was suspended by the fraternity’s executive committee in June 2017 for their history of hazing and alcohol management issues.
In a news release from the fraternity’s executive committee from June 2017, it was announced that the suspension is for five years. After the suspension is up, the fraternity will attempt to return to campus.
“The General Fraternity made the decision due to continued accountability issues among the chapter’s leadership and membership. The actions were inconsistent with the Fraternity’s values, and the (executive committee) was left with no other option than to suspend the chapter’s charter,” the press release said.
Editor's note: This story was updated at 4:11 p.m. to clarify that IFC does not oversee sororities.
