Indiana University placed the Theta Chi fraternity on cease and desist Wednesday citing hazing, according to the Office of Student Life website.
The Indiana University Police Department observed drug paraphernalia at the Theta Chi fraternity house while responding to a call for a fire alarm Tuesday, IUPD Public Information Officer Julia Nowak wrote in an email to the Indiana Daily Student.
The case was forwarded to university officials for review, Nowak wrote. Nowak did not confirm if the drug paraphernalia case was related to Theta Chi’s placement on cease and desist.
IU spokesperson Mark Bode wrote in an email to the IDS that the investigation is ongoing.
When an organization is placed on cease and desist, they are not allowed to host, attend or participate in any recruitment or social events, including membership education and philanthropic events, according to the Office of Student Life website.
“Cease and Desist directives are placed when there are allegations of behavior that have caused or may cause harm to the members of the organization and/or the community,” Bode wrote in an email to the IDS.
The university places organizations on cease and desist as an interim measure during immediate threats or ongoing investigations.
Nowak wrote IUPD “does not determine whether a Greek Life organization is placed on cease-and-desist.”
Theta Chi was previously placed on disciplinary probation by the university from March 12 to Sept. 15, 2024 for alleged hazing. The fraternity entered into a voluntary agreement from June 23 to Aug. 4, 2025 to “resolve a matter regarding Alcohol, Endangering Others, and Failure to Comply with University Policies,” according to the Office of Student Life.
From Nov. 9, 2022 to April 12, 2023, the university suspended all of Theta Chi’s organizational activities due to alleged hazing. From March 10 to Oct. 3, 2023, the university placed social restrictions on Theta Chi for the same reason.
