Missouri Ag Connection - FarmHouse Closes MU Chapter for Hazing, Alcohol Violations

Missouri Ag News Headlines

FarmHouse Closes MU Chapter for Hazing, Alcohol Violations
Missouri Ag Connection - 03/21/2018

Tuesday, officials from FarmHouse International Fraternity announced the closure of its chapter at University of Missouri, and MU officials affirmed support for that decision in a letter to the chapter. This outcome was based on findings from a joint investigation the fraternity conducted with the university in response to credible allegations of violations of the campus and fraternity's hazing and alcohol policies.

FarmHouse was actually founded at the University of Missouri on April 15, 1905. It became a national organization in 1921. It has 34 chapters/colonies/interest groups in the United States and Canada.

FarmHouse was founded as a professional agriculture fraternity by seven men at the University of Missouri, who had met at a Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) bible study and had decided that they wanted to form a club. A second chapter, founded independently of the Missouri chapter but sharing the same ideals, was founded at the University of Nebraska in 1911. After communication between the two groups, a third chapter was founded at the University of Illinois in 1918.

"Our top priority is to foster a culture of safety and responsibility in our chapters," said Christian Wiggins, FarmHouse International Fraternity CEO. "The chapter's actions, including failing to adhere to the national organization's hazing and alcohol policies, were in direct contradiction to FarmHouse values and our code of conduct. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in the fraternity, and we appreciate the university's partnership as we have worked through the investigation and arrived at this conclusion."

Additionally, because FarmHouse is a fraternity and is not affiliated with any MU school or college, the case has been turned over to the Columbia Police Department for further investigation. MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright said the university will assist with the Columbia Police Department investigation in any way needed.

"We fully support this action by FarmHouse, and I will not tolerate this type of behavior," Cartwright said. "There are many students trying to do the right thing and change the culture here and across the country as it relates to fraternities and sororities. We appreciate the cooperation we are receiving from FarmHouse headquarters and will continue our work to make the MU Greek community a model for the nation."

During the fall 2017 semester, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Gary Ward hired Dyad Strategies to analyze the Greek community. The initial report was released in October and presented several recommendations to improve the Greek experience at MU. Since that time, Dyad Strategies staff members have been holding discussions among alumni, friends of the university, students, staff and faculty to review the report and recommendations. Decisions related to some recommendations are expected before the end of the current semester.

"We are committed to ensuring students can come to Mizzou and benefit from fraternities and sororities in a safe and educational manner," Ward said. "Any person or action that compromises the safety of students on our campuses will be dealt with swiftly and strongly. Every student and parent should know that I am committed to making Mizzou's Greek community a national model that provides students with an excellent and safe collegiate experience. We have a rich tradition of a vibrant Greek community at Mizzou that has benefited thousands of lives throughout its history."

In 1974, the Fraternity re-affirmed its alcohol free housing stance by passing the stance in the bylaws at the Conclave of that year. in 1998, the North-American Interfraternity Conference awarded FarmHouse the NIC Laurel Wreath for leading the path in alcohol free housing.

On April 20, 1974, the FarmHouse Club at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was the first chapter established outside the United States.

Other Missouri Headlines