Post by greeky on May 14, 2013 18:51:28 GMT -5
One fraternity has announced it will disassociate with Chico State after the university stated long-term suspensions of two chapters earlier this month, punishments which both organizations are calling unjust.
The second fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, is fighting the sanctions, having announced Thursday it will appeal the punishment.
Suspension prompts departure
After an investigation, the university suspended Sigma Chi for brewing beer inside its chapter house on Ivy Street, according to investigation records requested by The Orion. Police officers found equipment and liquid that was part of the home beer-making system.
The university also learned this was the third or fourth time members manufactured alcohol in the fraternity house, according to the records.
In a press release, Sigma Chi protested the suspension, claiming the university’s expectation of “perfection in every case is unjust.”
Sigma Chi will continue to follow and abide by the rules set forth by the university, but without university supervision or oversight.
The chapter will try to demonstrate to the administration the fraternity can positively affect the community without being affiliated with campus.
Fraternity fights back
Phi Kappa Alpha announced it would appeal its 3-year suspension May 9 after the university found them guilty of hosting a party.
The fraternity received notice of the suspension May 6, about a month after hosting a themed drinking party called “Around the World.” Fraternity members sold wristbands and T-shirts at the party, which some 200 students attended and 40 fraternity members participated in, according to investigation records requested by The Orion.
In a press release, Pi Kappa Alpha supported the university’s decision to reform the Greek system, but called the three-year suspension unjust.
University responds
The university cannot ignore a mistake as large as having alcohol in houses, wrote Drew Calandrella, vice president for student affairs in an email to The Orion.
“I do not believe the guidelines are unrealistic and the fact that most of the Greek chapters are working within the guidelines speaks volumes.”
theorion.com/news/article_fbd1b75c-bcdc-11e2-93d7-001a4bcf6878.html