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

WSU rescinds its recognition of fraternity

Washington State University has revoked its recognition of a fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda, alleging drug use and sales, providing alcohol to minors and other violations of university policy.

But WSU would release few details about the case, and officials refused to immediately release records from its investigation, as it has done in past cases of student discipline.

It’s the second high-profile disciplinary action the university has taken against fraternities this academic year. Sanctions were issued in the wake of serial violence between two chapters in the fall.

AKL lost recognition until at least 2013; the action doesn’t shut down the chapter, but it eliminates any relationship with the university, blocks participation in university events and can hurt recruiting.

“The intention of the conduct board is to ensure that most if not all of the current members of Alpha Kappa Lambda will have graduated and left the university before the fraternity regains recognition,” Lisa McIntyre, head of the university conduct board, wrote in a letter to the chapter.

The decision will affect the chapter’s ability to house freshmen, though the details of that have not been decided.

The university would not provide details about the case, including any description of how it came to light or how many individuals were involved, and it waited six days after the Feb. 21 decision to make it public.

Spokesman Steve Nakata said WSU officials also decided not to publicly release McIntyre’s full letter summarizing the decision – as it has done in past cases – without following the formal public-records request procedure, which takes a minimum of five days.

Michael Tate, vice president of student affairs, made the decision regarding the records. Tate could not be reached Wednesday afternoon for comment.

Attempts to reach a spokesman for the Pullman Police Department to discuss any possible criminal investigation surrounding the chapter were unsuccessful late Wednesday afternoon, and a message left for the president of the chapter was not returned.

After a Feb. 13 hearing, AKL was found “responsible” under the student conduct code for the use, possession and distribution of drugs on chapter property; providing alcohol to minor students; holding an unregistered function; and operating without a live-in adviser.

The fraternity has 21 days to appeal.