Iota Phi Theta (John Carroll University)

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The Brotherhood of Iota Phi Theta (ΙΦΘ) was a local service fraternity at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1973 to 2001. It was not affiliated with the larger, predominantly African-American national fraternity of the same name, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The colors of Iota Phi Theta were maroon and gold.

A continuous theme throughout the 29-year history of Iota Phi Theta (or, "IPT") was a longstanding feud with another more well-established local fraternity at John Carroll, Iota Chi Upsilon (or, the "I-Chi's.") The origin of this feud is unclear. Some believe it to have originated simply from the friendly competition between intramural sports teams of both fraternities. However, an apocryphal story claims that the Founding Fathers of Iota Phi Theta were members of a pledge class of Iota Chi Upsilon that were cut, or denied membership, due to their refusal to participate in initiation requirements, or hazing.

IPT prided itself on being an anti-hazing fraternity, long before hazing became politically incorrect. IPT had few requirements for membership, other than a demonstrated desire to become part of the fraternity.

Iota Phi Theta and Iota Chi Upsilon, as well as all other local fraternities at John Carroll, were disbanded by the university in 2001. From that point on, only chapters of national fraternities were allowed to exist at JCU.