October 24, 2014

By: Jennie Gutierrez

After a seven day suspension following Title IX and sexual assault accusations, Florida State University's Pi Kappa Alpha chapter is back in operation.

In a statement released today, FSU's vice president of student affairs, Mary Coburn, said this semester student affairs received three separate reports against Pi Kappa Alpha which involved excessive alcohol use, drug use, and a sexual assault.

"One complaint was withdrawn, and the other cases were closed after all leads were exhausted. Therefore, in the interest of fairness and justice, FSU has lifted the interim disciplinary action and restored the chapter to its normal operational status," the statement said.

In a statement attributed to chapter adviser Jimmy Keen, Pi Kappa Alpha said in part:

"While we are pleased to be exonerated by the university, we will now conduct a thorough internal investigation...The goal is to ensure that brothers and pledges thoroughly understand that sexual misconduct, hazing or any illegal activity is not a PIKE standard and it will not be tolerated."

Meanwhile, FSU's police department is still investigating claims of sexual battery at the Pi Kappa Alpha house on October 11.

Some FSU students said they are wary of the decision to lift the Pi Kappa Alpha's suspension in the midst of an open sexual assault case.

"Women involved don't really have power or a say in the matter and aren't really being like protected," Natasha Rich said.

"In terms of the suspension, I think it's the least of anyone's worries. It's important that we find out what happened in any given case. And when the truth comes out the actual judgment can be rendered," Payton Mccann said.

Pi Kappa Alpha did hire consultants to understand the charges brought against them involving Title IX, and is working on establishing their own Title IX policy.

"FSU continues to monitor the activities of the fraternity and looks forward to working with the chapter and the national organization to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all its students," Coburn said.

News Release:

October 24, 2014 - 2:30 p.m.

Attached Press Statement from FSU Vice President for Student Affairs Mary Coburn regarding the lifting of the suspension against the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

News Release:

October 24, 2014 - 12:30 p.m.

MEDIA STATEMENT, attributed to Jimmy Keen

Since Friday, October 17, I, along with the PIKE (Delta Lambda) alumni advisory board and a team of consultants have been working diligently to understand the charges levied against the Fraternity relating to Title IX and a criminal investigation of sexual crime.

Last night, the FSU administration cleared PIKE of alleged violations related to its investigation of Title IX. The FSU Police department is currently investigating other allegations and we are pursuing aggressive understanding of those allegations as well.

While we are pleased to be exonerated by the university, we will now conduct a thorough internal investigation. This will include the help, support and assistance of the national organization of Pi Kappa Alpha, requested by me, as the Delta Lambda Chapter Advisor.

The goal is to ensure that brothers and pledges thoroughly understand that sexual misconduct, hazing or any illegal activity is not a PIKE standard and it will not be tolerated. Current Delta Lambda bylaws and policy call for immediate disciplinary action if sufficient evidence is discovered of any behavior that is not congruent with PIKE standards. Sexual misconduct, violations of state law, university rules, national regulations or chapter bylaws and policies are not tolerated.

Our goal is to ensure that Pi Kappa Alpha continues to lead and that we are constantly reviewing and improving our standards to reflect positively across a wide spectrum of PIKE life. This includes the university, the alumni organization, brothers and pledges. Our goal of safety and security will remain our top priority. Our future depends on it.

News Release: Eyewitness News

October 24, 2014

The suspension has been lifted off PIKE but police say the case is still open at this time.

National Chapter Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Statement:

PIKE has self imposed risk management policies and plans in place that exceed what is required by the University. We will now be establishing a Title IX specific policy. Our priority goal is safety and security for all of our brothers, pledges and guests and that will never change.

By: Lanetra Bennett

October 20, 2014

Tallahassee, FL - FSU police are investigating a reported rape at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house.

WCTV has confirmed that the fraternity is on suspension.

Police at Florida State University say they are investigating a sexual battery at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. The incident reportedly happened on Saturday, October 11th...

FSU student, Karla Gaona, says, "It's a scary thought just because everyone's going in and out of the frat houses. I have friends, several of them. But, you just have to make sure you are with someone you know and you need to watch out for what you're drinking, who you're with and who you're talking to."

Police have not released any details. The report only says a student reported being raped at the Pike House in Heritage Grove on Ocala Road. The report says the victim advocate responded to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where the victim was being treated.

FSU student, Kimberly Martinez, says, "It's shocking that that happened to begin with. I think a lot should be done about that because that's a really serious accusation. The police should definitely keep a tight hold on it."

There are several police reports on other incidents at the PIKE House reported to FSU PD within the past two months. Reports include two burglary and grand theft reports about a month a part.

FSU Police say it's an open investigation.

A statement from the local Pi Kappa Alpha chapter advisor, Jimmy Keen, says, "if there is a proven claim, we will take swift action. Sexual misconduct will not be tolerated in the Delta Lambda chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and we will support similar actions by any other sanctioning bodies."

The full statement is below

Update: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity

October 20, 2014

National Chapter Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Statement:

We have been made aware of an interim suspension by the University and hours ago, we received a copy of an FSU police log sheet. We want to be clear - we are cooperating with University officials and law enforcement and will continue to do so. Any allegation of this type is of the highest concern, particularly since our members and pledges are educated and trained to understand our zero tolerance of any sexual misconduct against another person. In fact, our members sign a contract that they will not be involved in this type of behavior.

We are very aware of the heightened concern of sexual violence on college and university campuses. However, we urge caution, until all the facts are known and request that any judgment be withheld until we can be fully informed. It would indeed be a miscarriage of justice to handle such news any other way.

The Delta Lambda chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha chapter has been selected as the FSU “Fraternity of the Year” at least five times since 2001, most recently back-to-back in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. We take pride in the leadership we provide and in the leadership our many members exhibit in numerous capacities throughout our community and our country. We make every reasonable effort to ensure the highest standard of behavior in our collegiate members and pledges.

However, if there is a proven claim, we will take swift action. Sexual misconduct will not be tolerated in the Delta Lambda chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and we will support similar actions by any other sanctioning bodies.

By: Lanetra Bennett

October 20, 2014

FSU police are investigating an alleged sexual battery at a fraternity house on campus.

According to the incident report, the alleged sexual battery happened Saturday, October 11th at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house at 1952 Heritage Grove circle.

The two-sentence report says a student reported she was a victim of sexual battery at a fraternity and goes on to say a victim advocate responded to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where the victim was being treated.

FSU Police Department tells us they cannot comment because this is still an open investigation.

There is no word on if a suspect is in custody or being questioned.