NC State’s Greek system under review

An offensive book connected to an N.C. State University fraternity — the school’s third Greek-related offense of the spring semester — has caused the closing of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and sparked a comprehensive investigation of the school’s Greek system.

The N.C. State chapter closed Wednesday and is suspended until 2018. The book, a private journal found at a Raleigh restaurant last week, contained derogatory sexist and racist statements.

“The quotes in the journal are reprehensible, unacceptable and perpetuate hateful stereotypes,” Pi Kappa Phi CEO Mark Timmes said in a statement. “The students recognize they violated our standards and have accepted responsibility.”

Aaron Bachenheimer, director of UNC’s Fraternity & Sorority Life and Community Involvement office, didn’t specify whether UNC conducted a comprehensive Greek system review.

He said in an email that some Greek organizations at UNC-CH have undergone similar reviews in recent years focusing on recruitment, academics, campus resources and conduct.

Mike Mullen, vice chancellor and dean of academic and student affairs, will lead N.C. State’s review.

“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 in a statement.

Three fraternities at N.C. State are under investigation for misconduct, and two fraternities are facing disciplinary action for previous offenses.

The review will focus on a range of issues, specifically sexual misconduct, substance abuse, diversity and inclusion. It will investigate both fraternities and sororities to determine if they “are meeting the core values and high behavioral standards of the university.”

Last week, the Interfraternity Council at N.C. State ordered all Greek organizations to cease social activities involving alcohol — which was intended to help address and elevate expectations for behavior at fraternities.

“Banning alcohol doesn’t make sense,” Abby Zang, a junior at N.C. State, said. “I can understand a review of all Greek life, but (they) only found things from one fraternity, so I don’t think (they) need to punish all of them.”

Elizabeth Hester, a junior at N.C. State, said she thinks closing Pi Kappa Phi was unfair.

“From what I understand, yes, what was in the book was inappropriate,” she said. “But it was part of the tradition of the fraternity. I feel really bad for the brothers because they are losing a legacy. Yes, you shouldn’t say things like that, but it was blown out of proportion.”

N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a statement he hopes the actions taken by the university will deter future misconduct.

“I hope today’s action makes it clear that there is no place for intolerance, sexism and racism at N.C. State,” he said.

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