Lehigh University sorority banned over "reprehensible" scavenger hunt

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania university has kicked a sorority off campus due to what officials are calling a "reprehensible" scavenger hunt that involved drugs, alcohol and sexual activity. Alpha Chi Omega's Theta Chi chapter lost its recognition by Lehigh University for two years and will be banned from campus through May 2020.

The Lehigh Greek Community blog published by the university says the sorority hosted a December scavenger hunt in which participants were given a list of tasks that involved "the use of drugs and alcohol, sexual activity and other activities" that violate the Bethlehem school's policy.

The sorority was suspended pending an investigation by a disciplinary committee that called the activity "reprehensible."

Alpha Chi Omega can appeal. The national organization conducted an investigation resulting in probation and individual punishments.

The blog says, "This incident was a significant, reprehensible event that the entire chapter was aware of and leadership endorsed. This event did not only take place this year, but there is credible information that this event has been going on for years. The panel is deeply concerned about the escalated nature of the content of this year's list and we are unconvinced that this escalation wouldn't continue.

" … The current conduct history of AXO does not lead the panel to have confidence in the chapter's ability to act and demonstrate care and concern for its members, particularly related to health and safety concerns. This type of behavior is simply unacceptable considering the current climate on college campuses."