The Epsilon Tau chapter of Delta Zeta, one of 10 social sororities on Longwood’s campus, has been suspended for three years by its national organization.

The sorority is no longer recognized as a school organization, according to Longwood Director of Communications and Media Relations Matthew McWilliams.

“Delta Zeta Sorority’s National Council has suspended its Epsilon Tau Chapter at Longwood University as a result of incidents inconsistent with the sorority’s values,” Delta Zeta National President Diane Stecher said in a statement. “The sorority fosters the respect and worth of self and others, and does not condone hazing. Delta Zeta is committed to its eradication,” she said. “Delta Zeta Sorority members are expected to conduct themselves in alignment with the sorority values that exemplify integrity, good citizenship and leadership.”

According to Stecher, the national organization partnered with Longwood during an investigation.

Stecher said Longwood decided to suspend the sorority from campus through the fall 2017 semester. Due to sanctions that would have been placed on the sorority had it returned after the fall 2017 semester, the national council requested a return in fall 2019.

“Delta Zeta values our partnership with each host institution in which we are a guest on the campus, and we expect our members to uphold our values and the

ideals we were founded on in 1902, and that still hold true today — a premier global network of women who share a vision to truly change the world through leadership, service and philanthropy,” Stecher said.

“While it is always a difficult decision to suspend a chapter, we are firm in adhering to our policies which are in place for the safety and well-being of each member of our sorority,” Stecher said. “We firmly believe the actions of our members on any campus should inspire and uplift our members to be global leaders and can assure you that we do not condone the actions of the Epsilon Tau chapter.”

The national council didn’t offer comment regarding the issues that sparked the investigation.

“We cannot speak about individual member situations,” Delta Zeta Director of Communications Nancy E. Brewer said when asked for details on the reasoning for the suspension.

“At this time, (Delta Zeta is) no longer an organization on this campus, so as of right now Delta Zeta does not exist at Longwood University,” Associate Director of  Fraternity and Sorority Life at Longwood Sean Ryan said.

“Delta Zeta will not be a part of any Longwood fraternity or sorority function until they’re reinstated,” McWilliams said.

As part of its history, Longwood boasts the founding of four sororities on its campus.

According to Delta Zeta’s website, the Epsilon Tau chapter at Longwood was founded in 1956, and has 45 members.

The sorority was founded in 1902 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.