Pike fraternity suspended indefinitely
The Gamma Epsilon chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at USU was suspended Friday after what is being called a violation of the school’s alcohol policy.
According to a statement from the university’s public relations office, USU President Stan Albrecht suspended the fraternity indefinitely, pending the outcome of further investigation.
A 17-year-old female student was taken by an unidentified individual to Logan Regional Hospital due to alcohol poisoning Sept. 25, said Jeff Curtis, assistant chief for the Logan Police Department. He said the female was released the following day.
Curtis said her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit — roughly .24. He said anything above .08 blood alcohol is grounds for intoxication or a DUI if the individual is in control of a vehicle. He said the situation would have been worse if she had not been taken to the hospital.
“She was able to get the help she needed, so as a result she did not pass away,” Curtis said.
The police are still investigating what happened at the fraternity house. No arrests have been made.
James Morales, vice president for Student Services, said students can continue to live in the Pi Kappa Alpha house, because it is not owned by the university and is not on university property. He said the fraternity is no longer allowed to use facilities, hold or participate in events on campus, or use any of the university’s resources or services.
Morales said fraternities and sororities, like all campus clubs and organizations, receive some funding from USU. Funds are given to the Greek Council, which distributes the funds to the various fraternities and sororities. Greek Council officials declined to comment on the incident.
Christopher Walsh, chapter president for Pi Kappa Alpha, released a statement addressing the alleged alcohol violation and the fraternity’s suspension.
Jim Davis, doctor and executive director of the Student Health Center, said USU administration sought out medical experts before making its decision to suspend the fraternity. He said he provided them with information about the risks involved with heavy drinking and the seriousness of the incident.
The risk to a person’s health while consuming alcohol varies from person to person, Davis said. He said factors such as size, weight and whether or not someone has recently eaten can all affect how the individual’s body will react to alcohol.
Davis said he didn’t expect Albrecht to make the decision to suspend the fraternity as quickly as he did.
“I personally am proud that we are addressing this issue,” Davis said. “My feeling is that we can’t afford to continually put the students in those situations where they are placed at risk.”
Davis said USU is not responsible for the incident.
– chris.w.lee@aggiemail.usu.edu