"At the same time, there are other chapters that recognize that we have to do something in the fraternity system both to change our image and to diminish the influ- influence that alcohol has on fraternity life," Martin added.

But as the fraternity hastened to tighten its alcohol ploicy in the wake of the tragedy, new evidence shows that the university ignored warnings about serious alcohol abuse problems on campus.

A university committee composed of students, faculty and administrators criticized MIT six years ago for lax enforcement of its existing alcohol policy. The committee particularly targeted drink at MIT fraternities.

"There is a problem with alcohol that must be addressed on this campus," the committee reported. "Substantial evidence indicates that the safety of community members is routinely and consistently jeopardized by the use of alcohol."

Committee members accused the MIT administration of ignoring or weakening all their recommedandations.

Earlier this week, MIT president Charles Vest acknowledged that the school's response had been "inadequate."

-Material from the Associated Press was used in compiling this report