After the content of a University of Iowa fraternity’s Web site was called into question, members of the fraternity decided to remove the site from the Web.

Shortly after a complaint regarding the fraternity’s “Slut of the Year,” “Pedophile of the Year” and “Most Likely to Commit a Felony” awards was filed with U of I’s Office of Affirmative Action, members pulled the site down.

The U of I chapter of Phi Delta Theta was suspended for alcohol and hazing violations earlier this year, said Tom Baker, assistant dean of students at the University of Iowa.

“Some of the material on our Web site was misinterpreted, so we’re taking the stuff off that was considered offensive,” said Paul Sabatino, president of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Iowa.

Removing the site, however, was not ordered by the university.

“There was never a decision from the university with respect to the content of the Web site,” Baker said.

Fraternity and sorority Web sites at Iowa State, like the University of Iowa, are controlled by house members.

The Interfraternity Council, governing body to fraternities at Iowa State, does not set guidelines about Web sites, said Zach Mitchell, council president.

“Fraternities and sororities run their own Web sites,” said Mitchell, senior in art and design.

“We really encourage [fraternities] to use appropriate pictures and material that showcase their fraternity’s ideals – what they stand for, their mottos, things that promote their house.”

Mitchell said he has never received or heard about any complaints regarding ISU fraternity Web sites.

There have, however, been complaints about other sites on the university server. Although most have been complaints regarding copyright infringement and improperly-used advertisements, a few were due to unsuitable content, said Mike Bowman, assistant director of Academic Information Technology.

“There have been a few incidents of inappropriate material on Web sites,” Bowman said. “In all cases where it was judged inappropriate, students were asked to remove the material.”

If students don’t comply with the request to remove the questionable content the case would be handled through the dean of students, Bowman said.

Mitchell said he hopes fraternity Web sites will be used properly.

“[The IFC] will look at the Web sites and will talk to [fraternities] if there are any problems or concerns about the content,” Mitchell said.

“I’ve looked at a lot of them and I’ve been pretty pleased with what the guys have put on their sites.”

The Phi Delta Theta chapter at Iowa State uses its Web site to appeal to those interested in joining a fraternity.

“Our main goal is to use [our Web site] as a rush tool to provide a lot of information to potential rushees,” said Nate Carroll, Webmaster for the ISU chapter of Phi Delta Theta.

“It also allows alumni to stay caught up on what’s going on with the fraternity.”

Although fraternity chapters are different at each university, the publicity affects all members, Carroll said.

“As a member of Phi Delta Theta, it saddens us to see our name in the news with negative connotations,” said Carroll, freshman in liberal arts and science.

“Even though we are a different chapter with different members, we will have to work that much harder just to make up for someone else’s portrayal of our organization.”