Pi Beta Phi at Indiana University in Full Compliance with County COVID-19 Orders
Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women’s Indiana University Chapter remains in full compliance with all recommendations and directives of the Monroe County Health Department as issued in response to the growing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among university students. Since August 29, after a number of members were confirmed to have contracted the virus, members living in the chapter facility have been abiding by a quarantine order; no non-residents are permitted to enter the facility.
The health and safety of members is a priority for Pi Beta Phi. The chapter developed a detailed and robust plan to reopen the facility ahead of the fall term informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health official guidelines. The chapter’s plan was supported by the county health officials. The plan evolved as local guidance changed. The chapter is taking careful precautions and actively educating members on the importance of acting responsibly to slow the spread of COVID-19.
On Thursday, September 3, an unexpected statement was issued by Indiana University without advance notice to fraternity/sorority leaders. The statement mimicked an important message Pi Beta Phi has shared: all members need to carefully consider the communal nature of living in fraternity/sorority housing facilities and make responsible decisions. However, the Fraternity recognizes members rely on Pi Beta Phi for safe and secure housing that enables them to be fully engaged in their academic studies on campus. At this time, it is the intention of the Indiana Beta Chapter House Corporation and Pi Beta Phi to fulfill our commitment to providing housing to those members who choose to remain in the chapter facility.
Pi Beta Phi seeks to build upon our strong partnership with the University as both entities have a common goal in keeping students safe. The uncollaborative nature of the University’s statement created panic and fear that could lead to misinformed action by its students and their families.
With great care and caution, the situation on the Indiana University campus and within the Pi Beta Phi chapter and chapter facility will continue to be monitored closely by local and international Fraternity leaders.
Founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois, Pi Beta Phi has installed 204 collegiate chapters and nearly 300 alumnae organizations worldwide. Pi Beta Phi promotes friendship, develops women of intellect and integrity, cultivates leadership potential and enriches the lives of members and their communities. The Fraternity believes in the power of reading and through its philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve®, promotes a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential. For more information, visit pibetaphi.org.
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Published: September 4, 2020
For information please contact:
Shawn Eagleburger
Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives
seagleburger@pibetaphi.org