TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State University has banned all fraternity and sorority activities following the death of a fraternity pledge at a chapter party Friday.
University President John Thrasher announced an indefinite suspension Monday afternoon through a statement posted to the school’s website. Thrasher also announced an alcohol ban at all student organization functions.
"I want to send a serious message, I really do," Thrasher said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. "We've got a serious problem."
Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi, died after attending an off-campus house party Friday. Authorities have not determined what caused his death, but police said alcohol may have been a factor.
"We've got a serious problem," Florida State president says; FSU suspends Greek life activity after student's death https://t.co/8x4XJiITah pic.twitter.com/Jr5CjjsSL9
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 6, 2017
In its statement, the university also noted an arrest Monday in an unrelated case of a fraternity member who has been charged with the sale and trafficking of cocaine.
Thrasher said members of sororities and fraternities will be allowed to remain in chapter houses during the suspension, which won’t end until determined by the student community, according to the statement.
Florida State is at least the third university this year to suspend all Greek life, according to The Associated Press. It joins Penn State and Louisiana State, where fraternity members face hazing charges after alcohol-fueled deaths at those schools.
FSU suspends Greek life https://t.co/WOoEQ2zOHA
— Jana Ayers (@LadyChainsaw) November 6, 2017
It has to start somewhere...
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