The UA Greek Standards Board convened Wednesday evening to hear evidence regarding the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity’s possible involvement in the theft of 10,000 copies of the Daily Wildcat, which were taken from newsstands Oct. 8.
Daily Wildcat managing editor and journalism junior Shain Bergan, who represented the Wildcat during the hearing, said the burden of investigation has fallen upon the Wildcat staff after the University of Arizona Police Department prematurely abandoned the investigation despite substantial evidence.
“”We presented detailed evidence that showed the fraternity had the means, the motive and the opportunity,”” Bergan said. “”We can only hope the Greek Standards Board will come to the right conclusion.””
Representatives from both Phi Kappa Psi and the Daily Wildcat were present during the hearing to present evidence against and in defense of the fraternity. No outside parties were allowed access to the meeting.
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Programs Johanne Jensen explained the board’s basis for making a decision prior to the hearing.
“”The board’s decision will be made based on whether the Daily Wildcat representatives can provide evidence that shows Phi Kappa Psi, more likely than not, was responsible for the theft,”” she said.
In accordance with the Greek Standards Board process, the complainants opened the hearing by presenting all relevant information and witnesses in regards to the stolen papers. Following this presentation, members of the board and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity were given the opportunity to question Daily Wildcat representatives about the evidence presented. After answering questions from both the board and Phi Kappa Psi, Daily Wildcat representatives were excused from the meeting.
Daily Wildcat representation was neither permitted to stay for Phi Kappa Psi’s defense nor to ask fraternity representatives questions.
Representatives from Phi Kappa Psi declined to comment for this story and would not reveal their names or positions in the fraternity.
“”We were glad to be given the opportunity to present our case,”” said Daily Wildcat editor in chief and journalism senior Alex Dalenberg. “”However, we would have liked the opportunity to have presented a closing argument and the option to question their witnesses and members.””
The Greek Standards Board process required board members to reach a decision before the meeting was adjourned; however, the verdict may not be known until Friday afternoon.
