FarmHouse closes MU chapter
UPDATE: FarmHouse CEO Christian Wiggins could not confirm when the investigation began, but ABC 17 News learned that a letter from the Office of Student Accountability referenced another hazing violation which earned the fraternity a disciplinary probation until Feb. 2019.
FarmHouse was already on probation after it violated alcohol policies this past fall. Its probation would have ended in May before the alleged hazing violation.
Wiggins said the decision to close the chapter came from its specific investigation with the university.
The fraternity plans to return in 2020.
ORIGINAL STORY: Officials from FarmHouse International Fraternity announced on Tuesday the closure of its chapter at the University of Missouri.
The outcome was based on findings from a joint investigation the fraternity conducted with the university in response to credible allegations of violations of the campus and fraternity’s hazing and alcohol policies.
“Our top priority is to foster a culture of safety and responsibility in our chapters,” said Christian Wiggins, FarmHouse International Fraternity CEO. “The chapter’s actions, including failing to adhere to the national organization’s hazing and alcohol policies, were in direct contradiction to FarmHouse values and our code of conduct. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in the fraternity, and we appreciate the university’s partnership as we have worked through the investigation and arrived at this conclusion.”
FarmHouse is not affiliated with any MU school or college so the case has been turned over to Columbia police.
“We fully support this action by FarmHouse, and I will not tolerate this type of behavior,” MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright said. “There are many students trying to do the right thing and change the culture here and across the country as it relates to fraternities and sororities. We appreciate the cooperation we are receiving from FarmHouse headquarters and will continue our work to make the MU Greek community a model for the nation.”
During the fall 2017 semester, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Gary Ward hired Dyad Strategies to analyze the Greek community. The initial report presented several recommendations to improve the Greek experience at MU. Decisions related to some of the recommendations are expected before the end of the current semester.
“We are committed to ensuring students can come to Mizzou and benefit from fraternities and sororities in a safe and educational manner,” Ward said. “Any person or action that compromises the safety of students on our campuses will be dealt with swiftly and strongly. Every student and parent should know that I am committed to making Mizzou’s Greek community a national model that provides students with an excellent and safe collegiate experience. We have a rich tradition of a vibrant Greek community at Mizzou that has benefited thousands of lives throughout its history.”
