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Florida State University has suspended all greek life activity following the death of a 20-year-old pledge last week. The suspension comes on the eve of the university’s homecoming.
The suspension comes following the death of Andrew Coffey. Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi, died on Friday, November 3, after he was found unresponsive following a fraternity party. Police said alcohol may have been a factor but were awaiting an autopsy. Coffey, 20, was a junior in his first semester at Florida State.
On the Monday following Coffey’s death, Garrett John Marcy, a member of Phi Delta Theta, was arrested by university police and charged with the sale and trafficking of cocaine. Marcy, a 20-year-old junior, continues to be held in Leon County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
via ABC:
“I just feel like for whatever reason, the message is not getting through,” Thrasher said. “Unfortunately, we’ve got to take steps with our students, to make sure this never happens again.”
Students can continue to live in their fraternity or sorority houses and can hold meetings with the university or their national chapter, but won’t be allowed to hold any other events including any organized participation in homecoming. Thrasher has also banned alcohol at all student organization events during the suspension.
“For this suspension to end, there will need to be a new normal for Greek life on campus. They must participate in that culture,” Thrasher said.
The North-American Interfraternity Conference said in a statement that it was ready to help FSU seek a way forward “that enhances safety and accountability, while respecting the rights of students who model fraternal excellence.”
University President John Thrasher said the duration of the suspension had not yet been determined.
