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Both College President James Wright and Dean of the College James Larimore said they were very disappointed in Zeta Psi fraternity's publication of weekly "sex papers" and sources close to the investigation say derecognition remains a possible conclusion to the controversy.
"I was offended and I am outraged that such a thing happened," Wright said.
"Personally I was really shocked to see the material that allegedly has been produced and distributed ... I find it to be very troubling," Larimore stated.
As the campus expressed shock and disapproval in the wake of the allegations, both the Office of Residential Life and the student Judicial Committee continue to investigate the matter.
Speaking about the investigation, Zeta Psi President Gene Boyle '02 said, "I'm eager to work with [Acting Assistant Dean of Residential Life] Cassie [Barnhardt]. I hope the outcome is fair and just."
"Significant sanctions are possible, including derecognition," Dean of Residential Life Martin Redman said about the outcome of the investigation.
Chair of the JC Lauren Lafaro echoed Redman's sentiment.
"I think that the offense is egregious enough that some very serious sanctions will be considered," she stated.
Because the investigation is still in progress, both Redman and Lafaro declined to comment on either the specific standards of conduct Zete may have violated or the types of charges that might be brought against the house.
"Its difficult to say because ... we want to make sure we have all pertinent information before we send a letter detailing charges," Lafaro explained.
Without citing specific charges, however, Wright said he felt that the publishers of the "sex papers" violated "the sense of trust and mutual respect and security that has to be part of [the Dartmouth Community]."
According to Acting Assistant Dean of Residential Life Cassie Barnhardt, the administration received word of the allegations last week, at which point they promptly began the investigation.
According to Lafaro the investigation may continue for anywhere from one to five days.
After completion, the Judicial Committee and ORL will collaboratively issue a letter to the chapter, detailing the standards of conduct which it has been accused of violating.
Then the house will have the opportunity to decide whether they will proceed into mediation or a full Committee hearing, and, in either case, the proceedings will commence seven days later.
Because the Committee is meant to work as an advisory board, their final decision may or may not perfectly match that of the Dean of Residential Life.
"Occasionally, when ORL reviews our recommendations they either add to them or change them in some way," Lafaro explained.
The recent adjudication of Psi Upsilon fraternity for the alleged shouting of racist and sexist comments from their property last term was characterized by just such a discrepancy.
