Sorority Punished by University and National Headquarters for Disfiguring Palm Trees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2003
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Sorority Punished by University and National Headquarters for Disfiguring Palm Trees
The Gamma Phi Beta chapter at California State University, Chico has been put on probation by the university and must conduct community service and an educational program because its members trimmed and damaged palm trees in Chico to gather decorations for a Sept. 7 event.
The sorority chapter was notified of the university’s action this week and received a disciplinary letter from Gamma Phi Beta national headquarters Sept. 23.
The probation will be lifted by the university after one year providing the sorority takes the following actions: Require each member to complete five hours of community service, including tree planting or habitat restoration; conduct an educational program on personal property rights of individuals and businesses; apologize to the public and campus community along with the written and personal apologies already made to the impacted property owners; submit monthly reports to the Student Activities office; avoid all violations of university policy; and adhere to sanctions imposed by Gamma Phi Beta headquarters.
Among the disciplinary actions taken by the national sorority are limiting social events each month and requiring the CSU, Chico chapter to write and implement a public relations plan.
City of Chico police reported that approximately one-dozen palm trees were vandalized by a group of Gamma Phi Beta members the night of Sept. 6. The palm fronds were gathered for a recruitment event at the sorority the following day.
Rick Rees, associate director of CSU, Chico Student Activities office, said the Gamma Phi Beta chapter has cooperated with the university and wants to get back into good standing with the university.
###