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The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity commonly referred to as “Pike” at Lehigh University has lost its recognition for violating “multiple” policies. According to reports members and alumni served alcohol to underage members while the chapter was under investigation for hazing. Pike is the fourth Lehigh Fraternity to be kicked off campus since July 2017.
According to Lehigh Greeks, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity was put on “disciplinary deferred dissolution” on March 22 after an incident on March 3 in which the chapter violated multiple alcohol policies.
The fraternity will be dissolved, effective April 17, 2018 through August 1, 2020.
via Lehigh Greeks:
After careful deliberation, the Committee dissolved the fraternity effective April 17, 2018 through August 1, 2020. Dissolution is the loss of University recognition and the privilege to use the University’s name or represent it in any capacity. In addition, the chapter will lose all privileges to use University equipment or facilities, and this includes access to group housing.
The chapter will be eligible to return to Lehigh at the end of the dissolution period, provided the campus is open to expansion and is subject to recognition processes in place at that time. Should affiliated students fail to comply with sanctions and operate as an underground or unrecognized group without University recognition, oversight, and approval, this would jeopardize and further delay the chapter’s ability to return to campus.
The chapter retains the right to appeal the decision, and the Office of Student Conduct & Community has informed the fraternity leadership of the deadlines and process for appeals as outlined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct. If an appeal is submitted by the Friday, April 20, 2018 deadline, the Disciplinary Appeals Committee will meet to make a determination shortly thereafter. If the appeal is denied, the conduct hearing outcome will be upheld. If the appeal is granted, a new conduct hearing would occur.
In response to incidents like these, fraternities such Phi Kappa Psi have made numerous changes to their code of conduct in an effort to address the issues that have arisen. In addition, schools such as Texas State have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
These reports come amidst similar allegations that have been made against fraternities nationwide, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon at East Carolina University, who was shut down for hazing and the Lamda Chi Alpha chapter at the University of Arkansas which has been accused of taking sexually explicit photographs of women without their permission.
This is the latest major fraternity suspension in the last year, as schools such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State and Penn State have all suspended fraternities in the wake of hazing and alcohol deaths.
