UI Alpha Phi sorority chapter suspended

A University of Iowa sorority has been suspended after a video made the rounds online this week showing members performing a profane song that references binge drinking.

The video, which was uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday and has since logged more than 95,000 views, showed members of the Delta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi at  University of Iowa singing on the steps of its house at 906 E. College St. It includes the line: "Now watch me chug, now watch me shotgun. Now watch me chug, chug, now watch me black out."

UI spokeswoman Jeneane Beck said Friday afternoon that the sorority had received a notice of interim suspension, which was issued by William Nelson, UI's director of the Iowa Memorial Union and Center for Student Involvement and Leadership.

"The chapter may not hold any organized activities without the supervision of Alpha Phi International Headquarters staff or volunteers, alumnae advisers, or UI officials, until the complaint is resolved by the Panhellenic Council Judicial Board," Beck said in an emailed statement.

"This video is not reflective of the University of Iowa’s behavior expectations for student organizations on campus and does not represent our fraternity and sorority community as a whole."

Reached by phone Friday, Alpha Phi chapter president Anna Kozak said the sorority was not commenting on the matter. A message left at Alpha Phi's national office in Evanston, Ill., was not immediately returned.

Reach Josh O’Leary at joleary@press-citizen.com or 887-5415, and follow him on Twitter at @JD_OLeary.