‘Why bring them back?’: Some UNL students concerned about Fiji’s return

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Fall classes began Monday at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and some students were wary of the return of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity to campus.

The controversy around the fraternity, also known as Fiji, goes back several years.

Four years ago, UNL suspended the fraternity after multiple rape and sexual assault allegations surfaced.

SEE ALSO: Fiji, fraternity suspended by UNL in 2021, is returning this fall

For some students, the decision to welcome Fiji back feels like a step backward.

Junior Veronica Sargbah said Phi Gamma Delta has a history of continuing bad behavior even after suspensions and other repercussions.

“Why bring them back?” she said.

Some students heard stories from former students about girls being passed out on the lawn of the frat house.

“In my personal opinion, it took a little too long for Fiji to be suspended,” junior Veronica Sargbah said.

SEE ALSO: UNL students reflect on alleged sexual assault cases involving Fiji one year later

This semester, the fraternity is recruiting students, with full recognition set for next semester.

University officials said the fraternity has to be complete extensive training on sexual assault prevention, hazing and alcohol safety and will be closely monitored under new policies.

UNL’s vice chancellor for student life, Dee Dee Anderson, said in a statement: “The university has worked closely with Phi Gamma Delta Headquarters staff to create a multi-year reestablishment plan.”

SEE ALSO: Suspended UNL fraternity claims discrimination for supporting Trump in lawsuit against University

But for many students like Sargbah, trust will take time.

“It makes me a little worried,” she said, given that the fraternity has suspensions, probations and warnings on its record.

In a statement, Fiji’s national office said all members involved in the 2021 suspension have since graduated.

SEE ALSO: Organizer of ‘Ban FIJI Forever’ petition speaks out

“We look forward to contributing positively to campus life and reinforcing the values of friendship, knowledge, service, morality, and excellence in a safe and supportive environment,” the fraternity said.

The university said it will continue to listen to student concerns, which at this point, aren’t going away.

“It severely worries me because nobody wants to drop off their kids to a new city or a new school with the knowledge of: There have been people who have been previously proven to do have done these things coming back to campus,” Sargbah said.

SEE ALSO: Second night of protests at UNL fraternity house after sexual assault allegations