Lots of rumors flying around right now. Let's keep those to a minimum. I can say that Pi Kappa Alpha is handling this horribly from a PR standpoint.
This is Pike's press release:
Quote:
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY SUSPENDS ZETA CHAPTER
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
The Zeta Chapter surrendered its Charter on September 28, 2012. Subsequently, the International
Fraternity suspended the Chapter’s charter, effective immediately, with the status of its charter to be
revisited no sooner than 2015.
“While there have been some sensational elements to the incident that took place on September 22, 2012,
the important area of focus for the Fraternity is the illegal and dangerous activities involving alcohol. The
International Fraternity found this culture of activity to be of great concern and therefore unequivocally
accepted the charter surrender, and further resolved to suspend the chapter’s charter.”
“It is unfortunate that a group of initiated members of the chapter have tarnished Pi Kappa Alpha’s
reputation. The Fraternity reserves the right to pursue expulsion proceedings against these individuals in
accordance with its Constitution.”
“It is important to note that there are students from this chapter who are of upstanding character. Zeta
chapter has historically produced scores of respected alumni and men of integrity who do not and should
not have their name associated with these behaviors. Many of the current undergraduate members and
alumni have voiced their concern about this incident and are supportive of the decision to suspend the
Chapter’s charter. These activities were not representative of the Zeta Chapter, its alumni, or the
International Fraternity and the mission they strive to uphold.”
“The International Fraternity remains committed to working with the University of Tennessee in ongoing
efforts to address and educate students on the dangers of the misuse of alcohol.”
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That said, I find it pretty dubious that this attorney speaks for Pike's chapter as that same chapter plead guilty to 7 counts of alcohol related misconduct and accepted their suspension from campus. Then there's this guy who appears to be speaking for the chapter who denies everything and threatens to sue everyone in sight. If this guy doesn't speak for Pike, someone really dropped the ball in making the public aware.
Also, what a horrible and totally unnecessary press conference on so many levels. Seeing a grey-haired attorney in a bow tie talking about butt chugging should be a drinking game. Talking seriously about the kid's sexual orientation being questioned and wanting to set that straight is pretty bad too. The worst thing ever? Letting the kid make a public statement. How does any of that help anything?