For Immediate Release
NC State University Chancellor Randy Woodson today announced that the Tau Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity has been disbanded effective immediately as a result of an investigation into a pledge’s book discovered last week. In addition, Woodson called for a thorough review of the Greek Life system at the university.
NC State has worked in collaboration with the national Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity throughout the investigation that began March 19; both parties agreed that the book warranted serious consequence. In addition to the university’s suspension, the national fraternity today revoked the chapter’s charter.
“I hope today’s action makes it clear that there is no place for intolerance, sexism and racism at NC State,” Woodson said.
“I know the poor behaviors we’ve seen recently by a few in no way represent the strong character and values of our larger student body. NC State will work hard to ensure these outlying actions never become accepted or tolerated at our university.”
The chapter will vacate its on-campus property immediately and the university will reassign individual members to other housing locations as needed.
Students in NC State’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter have agreed to accept the consequence of their behavior. Pi Kappa Phi has the opportunity to return to campus with new membership after three years in 2018.
“We appreciate the support and collaboration with the NC State administration. Together, we acted quickly to address this situation and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued,” said Pi Kappa Phi CEO Mark E. Timmes.
As a next step forward, Woodson has appointed Mike Mullen, vice chancellor and dean of academic and student affairs, to lead a review of the Greek system in collaboration with the Greek councils on campus, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council, Pan-Hellenic Association and the Multicultural Greek Council.
The review will assess whether fraternities and sororities are meeting the core values and high behavioral standards of the university, and will focus on a range of issues including sexual misconduct, substance abuse, and diversity and inclusion.
“We set high standards for all of our students, including our Greek community, and we fully expect them to embrace this challenge, raise the behavioral bar and work proactively to create the best Greek system possible,” Mullen said.
Last week, the IFC self-imposed a temporary cessation of social activities including alcohol for the university’s IFC fraternity community, and the university supported this decision. The social suspension was intended to be a step toward helping refocus the Greek community on efforts to put in place measures to better address and elevate expectations for high standards of behaviors.
See the Pi Kappa Phi release here.
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