Delta Sigma, formerly Delta Sigma Phi, has officially broken away from its national chapter after a vote of approval by the Interfraternity Council.

The decision to become a local fraternity began after Delta Sigma Phi's national chapter introduced "The Challenge," in April 1998. "The Challenge" is a program that suggests ways improve the quality of life within Delta Sigma Phi's chapters, one of which is to have alcohol-free chapters.

"We have proven that we are responsible enough to handle alcoholic functions," Matt Sullivan, Delta Sigma president, said. "We basically asked our national chapter to let us be."

Sullivan attempted twice to negotiate his national chapter. The first time, he argued that since his fraternity is among the top ten fraternities at Penn State for academics, philanthropy and membership, they should not have to go dry. Sullivan's second negotiation attempt included the proposition to implement a one-alcoholic-party-a-week policy. After this attempt failed, the national chapter informed Sullivan that the policy was nonnegotiable.

"They told us that the decision was made nationally and refused to compromise," said Sullivan.

Sullivan then contacted his alumni board to see if it supported the decision to break away from the national chapter and become local. The alumni board agreed.

"Good houses deserve to make decisions about their own house," said Sullivan.

On Monday, delegates voted in favor of allowing Delta Sigma Phi to become a local chapter and to be renamed Delta Sigma.

"Delta Sigma Phi has been a very successful fraternity at Penn State," said IFC President Jon Brooks. "Their academics and philanthropic contributions are very strong. I believe, as does the council, that Delta Sigma will continue to be as strong as Delta Sigma as it was as Delta Sigma Phi."

Now that Delta Sigma has been recognized as a local fraternity, it will be put on a one-year probationary period. If Delta Sigma violates any of its bylaws, it will be brought up before the IFC executive board to have membership reviewed.

"We won't be monitoring Delta Sigma any more than we monitor our other fraternities," Brooks said. "However, if any other fraternity not on probation has a problem, they do not immediately have to have their membership reviewed, and Delta Sigma does."

Jon Hockman, executive director for Delta Sigma Phi's national chapter, had only one comment about the Penn State chapter breaking away. "We wish the group well in their future. Our national organization established a policy for all of our chapters. They (Penn State's chapter) were the only group to choose their direction," he said.