After weeks of speculation surrounding hidden allegations, the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity’s charter has been revoked for five years.

The official list of charges declared against the fraternity include excessive hazing, physical abuse, intimidation, using and selling illegal drugs and alcohol abuse.

The charges were filed after seven individuals from within the fraternity came forward to the university outlining what they were going through.

The individuals’ names have been kept in strict confidence to prevent any threat to their own personal safety, said Rick Clark, director of University Programming and Activities.

The charges resulted from a hearing held by the university’s judicial system on May 12. The fraternity’s charter was immediately withdrawn not only by the university, but also by Lambda Chi Alpha National Headquarters

“It’s definitely not what you’d expect from a Greek letter organization,” said Judicial Director Larry Bolles.

Clark declined to go into detail about the severity of the abuse, but did comment on some instances of violation.

“Students’ rooms were being broken into,” Clark said. “Threats against their safety were made.”

Bolles pointed out that those in higher positions within the fraternity were being focused on as the responsible parties.

“There was an abuse of power going on,” Bolles said. “It’s leadership gone afoul.”

Since the hearing, at least two members of the fraternity have been expelled from the university.

“The key person responsible for this is no longer a student at NIU,” Bolles said.

Reports of intense hazing, in addition to the abuse within the fraternity, played a key role in the hearing against certain members.

The instances outlined in the charges had apparently been going on for a number of years, but not until this past semester did students within the fraternity begin to fear it had gotten out of control, Clark said.

The students living in the fraternity house have since been officially ordered out.

“They removed all their belongings,” said Greek Affairs Director Chris Juhl. “The alumni came down and secured the house.”

Since the hearing, former members have filed an appeal with Student Affairs in attempts to overturn the decision.