WSU cuts recognition of Alpha Kappa Lambda

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Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

WSU cuts recognition of fraternity

Shawn Vestal
Staff writer
February 27, 2008

Washington State University has revoked its recognition of a fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda, accusing it of drug use and sales, providing alcohol to minors and other violations of university policy.

But WSU would release virtually no details about the case, and it refused to immediately release records from its investigation, as it has done in past cases of student discipline.

It’s the second high-profile disciplinary action the university has taken against fraternities this academic year, after an investigation and sanctions issued in the wake of serial violence between two chapters in the fall.

http://www.spokesman.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13868

Wednesday night, Alpha Kappa Lambda Alumni Board President John Wiest released the following statement:

"Washington State University has initiated a conduct hearing process against the fraternity chapter in connection with allegations made against individual members of the fraternity, including former members who have been expelled by the fraternity. At this time, the fraternity is appealing the findings of the WSU Conduct Board pursuant to the rules of the conduct board process and we will not comment on allegations that are currently subject to appeal."

"We are disappointed the University has chosen to jump the gun and take their claims to the media before allowing the fraternity the chance to exercise its right of appeal, pursuant to Washington State Administrative Code."

"We are confident the appeal will demonstrate that the University has conducted the process in violation of WAC code and the allegations and outcome they are now pitching in the media is by no means final."

"Pursuant to WAC, these findings are not official until the right of appeal is passed and the University has no business making irresponsible and defamatory statements to the media prior to a finding being official."

"Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity had been a member of the campus community for over 80 years and will continue that tradition. We are prepared to exercise all administrative options for appeal and will continue the process in the civil court system if the University continues to pursue what we contend are baseless claims against the fraternity as a whole."