Lambda Theta Phi
| Lambda Theta Phi | |
|---|---|
| ΛΘΦ | |
 | |
| Founded | December 1, 1975 Kean College |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | NIC |
| Former affiliation | NALFO |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Latino |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Chivalry Above Self |
| Colors | Brotherhood Brown Pure White |
| Flower | White carnation |
| Chapters | 119 collegiate, 29 associate, 29 alumni |
| Nickname | Lambdas |
| Headquarters | 181 New Road, Suite 304 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 United States |
| Website | thelambdas.org |
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΘΦ) is a Latino non-profit social fraternity in the United States with 148 undergraduate chapters and 29 alumni associations.
It was founded on December 1, 1975, at [[[Kean University]] (formerly known as Kean College) in Union, New Jersey. It was the first fraternity to be established during the "fuerza" (force) phase of Greek-lettered Latino organizations that defined much of the late 1970s and the 1980s.[1] In 1992, Lambda Theta Phi was the first Latino Greek-lettered organization in the U.S. to join the North American Interfraternity Conference.
History
Formation and Early Years
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975, at Kean College in Union, New Jersey. Prior to this, there were no active Latin fraternities in the United States. The Greek-letter organizations existing at the time primarily served Anglo and African-American demographics. The founders of Lambda Theta Phi recognized a need to unite Latino students, nurture their leadership skills, emphasize the importance of education, and foster a commitment to community and culture. They saw the establishment of a fraternity as a means to achieve these goals, leading to the creation of Lambda Theta Phi, under the specific identity and name as a Latino fraternity. It kickstarted the post-1975 wave of the Latino Greek Movement alongside the sorority Lambda Theta Alpha, which followed the "principio" (principle) phase kickstarted by student activism on college campuses in 1898.[2]
1990s and 21st century
Lambda Theta Phi has achieved several milestones, including becoming the first Latin fraternity to join the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1992. Additionally, the fraternity published "The History of Lambda Theta Phi" in 1994, authored by Jesus A. Peña, Esq., which serves as an authoritative text on its history.
The Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Educational Foundation was established in 1998, aimed at awarding scholarships and grants for leadership and educational development. The fraternity also became a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) in 2004, though it discontinued its membership in 2014.[3]
Chapters
Notable members
- Robert "Bob" Menendez – U.S. Senator (NJ) (Honorary Brother)
Hazing and misconduct controversies
In 2007, The fraternity was temporarily suspended from Cornell University following a hazing incident on February 23, where pledges were subjected to physical and psychological abuse. A pledge reported being violently removed from a group by fraternity members, resulting in damage to property and being placed in a dark room where he was slapped. Two individuals involved were charged with second-degree hazing and harassment; one pled guilty to harassment and was fined, while the other remains pending a court appearance. Pledges also reported being forced to maintain a vow of silence, endure strenuous physical exercises, and were denied adequate sleep. In response, Cornell University banned the involved individuals from campus and initiated a review by the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs office.[4] The fraternity would once again be suspended at the college in 2018 for more incidents of alleged hazing.[5]
In 2017, Lambda Theta Phi was suspended after allegations of underage drinking, hazing, and sexual assault surfaced at the University of Central Florida.[6] Reports indicated that pledges were coerced into exhausting physical and mental exercises while being subjected to fraternity chants containing racial slurs and threats of violence. One member was accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated individual at a fraternity after-party. The University of Central Florida conducted an investigation, leading to the fraternity's suspension from all campus activities.[7]
In 2024, The fraternity’s chapter at the University of Connecticut was suspended following the arrest of the former chapter president on charges related to hazing activities.[8] The individual was accused of physically assaulting a pledge who failed to complete push-up exercises, leading the victim to quit the fraternity. A second arrest was made on similar charges against the same individual. The university emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward such behaviors and initiated an investigation into the incidents.[9]
See also
References
- ^ Moreno, Diana; Banuelos, Sheila (2013). "The Influence of Latina/o Greek Sorority and Fraternity Involvement on Latina/o College Student Transition and Success". Journal of Latino/Latin American Studies. 5 (2): 113–125. doi:10.18085/llas.5.2.y1113g2572x13061. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ^ Oliver Fajardo. "History of Latino Fraternal Movement and Why it Matters on Campus Today" (PDF). Cdn.ymaws.com. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ "Our History – Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc".
- ^ https://hazing.cornell.edu/violations/2006-07-academic-year
- ^ https://hazing.cornell.edu/violations/2018-19-academic-year
- ^ https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/lambda-theta-phi-fraternity-suspended-at-ucf-amid-sexual-assault-allegations/18050/
- ^ https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/ucf-fraternity-suspended-after-claims-of-sexual-assault-and-hazing-5311405
- ^ https://www.wfsb.com/2024/05/09/uconn-suspends-fraternity-following-2nd-hazing-investigation-chapter-president/
- ^ https://patch.com/connecticut/stafford-willington/fraternity-president-charged-willington-hazing-incident-warrant
External links
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
