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DEAN OF STUDENTS SUSPENDS FRATERNITY
FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER INVESTIGATION
OF STUDENT'S DEATH AT A PARTY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Richard McKaig, vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at Indiana University's Bloomington campus, announced today (Feb. 18) that he has suspended Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for at least one year.
The decision followed an investigation of a party held at the fraternity house on Dec. 12, 1998. Alcohol was served at the party in violation of university policy, which generally prohibits the possession or use of alcohol in university-supervised residences. Joseph Bisanz, a 19-year-old student participating in the party, subsequently died. The Monroe County coroner ruled that an elevated blood alcohol level contributed to Bisanz's death.
McKaig could have expelled the chapter, but decided instead to defer expulsion. He based his decision on evidence that the chapter's members sought immediate medical assistance for Bisanz, and generally responded to the emergency responsibly and appropriately. McKaig also recognized that the chapter members have suffered considerably from the shock and grief brought on by Bisanz's death.
Even so, the decision to suspend the chapter and defer its expulsion has serious ramifications for the organization on campus. In support of the university's actions, the national organization will suspend the charter of the chapter pending completion of the requirements for the group by McKaig, and compliance with conditions imposed by the national organization and a newly formed alumni board.
The alumni board will oversee and govern the activities of the local group effective immediately. During the coming months, the national organization will conduct a thorough review of the group's membership to determine which members should be invited to form a reorganized group.
The group will be required to hire a live-in house director. It also may not participate in campus activities, including intramurals and social events. The earliest date reinstatement for the chapter will be considered is Jan. 1, 2000.
For more information contact McKaig at 812-855-8187.