A chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha at Florida International University had its charter suspended by the fraternity headquarters after screenshots of Facebook posts revealed photos of naked women, suggestions of possible drug use and hazing.
The chapter had already been suspended by the univeristy and was being investigated after screenshots of Facebook posts allegedly made by FIU's Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity or "Pike" brothers were distributed to the Miami New Times and to the university through an anonymous email. Pi Kappa Alpha is a frat that historically prides itself on community service and leadership.
The national organization said in an email statement that they are working closely with the university, and they voted to immediately suspend the chapter's charter.
"Further, all members with linkages to illegal and illicit activities will be pursued for expulsion from the Fraternity. The International Fraternity will continue to work with the University and police investigations, providing any information available to hold individuals accountable to the fullest extent of the law," the statement said.
The charter suspension means that the chapter can no longer operate with the name Pi Kappa Alpha or use the frat's names, symbols or signs to show that the chapter is affiliated with the fraternity.
FIU had previously released a statement that read in part, "The university is taking this information very seriously because it suggests possible Student Code of Conduct violations. The university took prompt action and placed the fraternity on interim suspension pending the outcome of investigations by appropriate university departments, including the police."
Campus police will also look into posts that seem to suggest hazing was going on.
“The behavior displayed by these young men is disgraceful, offensive, and indefensible. The immediate decision to suspend by the Supreme Council was made to communicate clearly that this type of behavior is not tolerated," executive vice president Justin A. Buck was quoted in the statement as saying. "Other chapters, alumni of Pi Kappa Alpha and Kappa Gamma Chapter have expressed their overwhelming embarrassment and disgust for these actions. It is clear these individuals never had any concept of what Pi Kappa Alpha stands for.”
Photo Credit: NBC 6 South Florida