Frat Loses WSU Recognition

Thu., Nov. 30, 2000

By Jonathan Brunt jonathanb@spokesman.com (509) 459-5442

A Washington State University fraternity will be disassociated from the university for violating alcohol rules earlier this fall.

Tau Kappa Epsilon will lose university recognition on Dec. 22. The action prevents the group from housing freshmen, holding meetings and social events and receiving university services.

The fraternity was found guilty of serving alcohol to minors and also cited for a lack of leadership by the University Conduct Board, a body of five students, faculty and staff appointed by the university president.

Tau Kappa Epsilon’s WSU chapter President Zach Schmitz would not comment on the action.

Al Jamison, vice provost for educational development, said the University Conduct Board enforced rules created in 1998.

“We believe that we’ve got to attack this issue and help students understand how to be responsible,” Jamison said.

About 3,000 of WSU’s 17,000 students are in the Greek system. Two other fraternities have lost recognition.

Interfraternity Council President Brent Wise called the action “a shame,” but didn’t question the reprimand.

Wise, a business management senior, believes the Greek system is targeted more than the rest of the student community for alcohol violations.

“(Administrators) can control the fraternities and sororities a lot easier than the other students,” Wise said. “I feel it’s unfair, but I understand what WSU is trying to do in trying to take the party-school image away.”

The fraternity can reapply for university recognition in spring 2002, but would be have to meet new conditions, including hiring a live-in house adviser.

Cindy Empey, interim director of residence life at WSU, said fraternities often come back stronger.

“They’re able to refocus what their goals are and what their mission is,” she said.

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