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Phi Delta Theta Fraternity in Kansas Suspended Over 'Inappropriate' Texts

The Washburn University chapter of Phi Delta Theta was suspended after sexually vulgar messages were found to be "inappropriate."
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/ Source: NBC News

The national Phi Delta Theta fraternity said Thursday it has suspended its Washburn University chapter in Topeka, Kansas, because of "inappropriate" text messages between members.

The fraternity leadership did not detail the content of the messages, but they were shared over a texting app and obtained by The Topeka Capital-Journal. The newspaper categorized the messages as including "sexually vulgar" images.

According to the Capital-Journal, one person wrote: "Women are equal and deserve respect … just kidding they should (expletive)."

Another reportedly texted: "Remember, women are objects," while someone else suggested that a 12-year-old is old enough for sex.

The names associated with the texts match the names of Phi Delta Theta members on Facebook, the newspaper added.

A university spokesman said the school was investigating, and the national fraternity said its review is ongoing.

"We are very concerned by the messages reviewed thus far," Sean Wagner, associate executive vice president of the national organization, said in a statement. "Phi Delta Theta is a values-based organization and any behavior or statement contrary to those values is subject to significant action."

The organization's response comes during a rash of Greek life-related scandals across the country.

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— Erik Ortiz