The MIT chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma may not capitulate to the decision of its International Executive Committee to make all chapter houses, lodges and other facilities alcohol-free by July 1, 2000.

Members of the MIT chapter were faced with the news when they returned from winter vacation.

"The general reaction is negative," said the chapter's president, Matthew S. DuPlessie, an MIT junior. "Aside from the actual issue of the alcohol itself, there was not due process and it looks as though the national Executive Committee made a decision over our heads in an unconstitutional manner."

"We are currently debating the legality of the action and what course we should take from here," he said.

Many of the 30 Phi Kappa Sigma members at MIT are worried the personality of the house will change dramatically.

According to DuPlessie, the students are "mildly considering" breaking away from the national chapter, but he said nothing has been decided yet.

The chapter does not have a history of alcohol-related problems and has several risk management strategies in place.

"We all look out for each other," said pledge trainer John M. Wong, a senior at MIT.

The International Executive Committee cited statistics which show an increase in membership among alcohol-free chapters and reports that alcohol consumption prevents members from fulfilling their potential as reasons for their decision.

However, DuPlessie said he thought the Executive Committee approved the resolution to avoid the dangers of alcohol.

Duplessie said the change would beneficially affect the fraternity's insurance policy.

Despite the Executive Committee's belief that the numbers of recruits would increase, DuPlessie said he feared the number might decrease.

"I think it will have a negative impact on things, especially the social aspect," said a first-year member of the MIT chapter, who asked not to be identified.

This is the latest blow to the MIT fraternityscene which has suffered since thedrinking-related death of first-year ScottKrueger, who in September 1997 fell into a comaafter a party at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

That fraternity was closed by the BostonLicensing Board in December