Confirmed last night by Panhellenic President Meaghan DeMallie, the Nu Gamma chapter of Chi Omega has decided to close its chapter here at Penn State.

Reasons for the decision to withdraw from the Panhellenic community was not disclosed, but it is likely a result of the aftershock from the racially insensitive image of Chi Omega members from Halloween 2012

The decision was made between the Nu Gamma Executive Board and the Chi Omega Nationals. Penn State Panhellenic was told about the closing yesterday and was not part of Chi Omega’s decision to leave campus.

“Panhellenic had very little warning about Chi Omega’s decision,” DeMallie said. “It all happened very quickly.”

An email sent out to the Panhellenic Community reads:

Dear Chapter Members,

The Chi Omega, Nu Gamma chapter at Penn State has been closed due to a collective decision between the Nu Gamma chapter members and Chi Omega’s National Organization. The Panhellenic Executive Board was notified of this closure tonight, and I ask all of you to be as supportive and understanding of this situation as possible.

Please defer any requests from the press to me at [email protected] or [number redacted], or to Pamela Gramlich at [email protected] / [number redacted]. Additionally, please feel free to come to me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Fraternally,
Meaghan DeMallie

DeMallie will speak tonight at the Panhellenic president’s council tonight to further explain Chi Omegas departure from the community.

Chi Omega was put on probation about a year ago after the racially insensitive image of Chi Omega members surfaced on the internet. The chapter was unable to hold PHC-registered socials during this probationary period.

Chi Omega’s National President Letitia Fulkerson responded to the photo scandal on its national website last year. “I am disappointed in the choices made by our Nu Gamma Chapter members and we regret any pain caused. We are taking this situation very seriously. Chi Omega does not condone behavior that violates our organization’s policy on human dignity.”