The University of Iowa greek system was dealt a blow last Tuesday when the International Greek Office shut down the Delta Tau Delta chapter for “flagrant” alcohol and drug violations.

However, according to The Daily Iowan, members of Delta Tau Delta fraternity argued that the charter was revoked due to a $580,000 debt, not drugs and alcohol.

Garth Eberhart, assistant executive director of the International Greek Office, was quoted as saying the fraternity’s debt was reason enough for the charter to be revoked.

Eberhart also said Delta Tau Delta had “lost the definition of a fraternity.”

Adam Batcheller, president of the Iowa State chapter of Delta Tau Delta, 2121 Sunset Drive, said he had heard of the U of I chapter’s problems before it was shut down.

“When we went there for a visit, we actually witnessed the drug and alcohol abuse ourselves,” he said. “I think it was a combination of that and the debt that led to the closing of the chapter.”

Batcheller, junior in chemical engineering, attributed the chapter’s financial problems to a lack of alumni support. However, he said it is unfortunate that the international office didn’t offer more assistance.

“We were very disappointed that the chapter shut down and that the international office didn’t give any help,” he said.

ISU Delta Tau Delta member and resident adviser Marty Forth said he believes the U of I chapter will start up again within three or four years.

“It’s the same process for everyone — the house closes until every member is gone so they can start new,” he said. “They don’t want to start with negative people.”

The Delta Tau Delta national chapter has plans to rent out the U of I chapter house to a student organization and use the money toward paying off the debt.