Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

WSU shutters Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity following investigation into reports of hazing

Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity at Washington State University (Alpha Kappa Lambda / Facebook)

The 90-year charter of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity has been revoked at Washington State University after concerns were raised over hazing. University officials declined to disclose specifics about what occurred that prompted the decision to shutter the fraternity.

Dan Welter, WSU’s associate dean of students, said the joint decision by the university and the national chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda to withdraw recognition, which is the most serious action the university can take regarding conduct, came this week after a two-month investigation into “various potential risk management violations.”

“It involved multiple occasions where hazing occurred,” Welter said. “We can’t provide specific details.”

Welter said the incidents occurred throughout the fall semester. Asked if any students were hurt during the hazing incidents, Welter said he did not know. “I don’t have that information.”

In a statement, the CEO of the fraternity, Jeremy Slivinski, said that Alpha Kappa Lambda had a “rich 90-year history” at WSU.

“We are disappointed that current undergraduate members of our organization made the decisions that they made,” Slivinski said without elaborating. “We believe most of them understand those mistakes now. Understanding and apologizing does not absolve them of their actions and therefore we have had to move in this direction.”

Welter said the university officials respond appropriately to allegations of hazing because it could put student’s health and safety at risk.

The fraternity members lost university “recognition as a result of their behavior,” Welter said in a statement. “While Alpha Kappa Lambda has a long history on our campus, and has produced a number of leaders across our campus, withdrawing the organization’s recognition was a decision that put student and community safety first.”

Welter, who also is director for the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, said Alpha Kappa Lambda can petition to re-open the fraternity in 2 1/2 years.

Slivinski, who praised the cooperation with the university, indicated that the national chapter would eventually follow that path.

“We look forward to working with (university officials) in the future when we are able to return to campus,” he wrote.