Monday, March 05, 2007

Board Says UF Pikes Should Be Suspended Until 2009

Board Urges Suspension of Pike Fraternity

If the University of Florida's Greek Judicial Board has their way, Pi Kappa Alpha could be suspended through the fall of 2009 for hosting an unregistered party where minors drank alcohol.

A harmless barbecue at the UF Pike house last September came under investigation after 3 woman told police they thought they had been drugged. Criminal charges have since been dropped against the frat because of a lack of sufficient evidence. The university continued with it rulings, and the judicial board issued their possible punishment last week. Possible hazing at the party was also investigation, as the pledges were said to be allegedly forced to serve beer to visitors.

Patrick Duffey, Pike's acting president, told the board during testimony that "every piece" of evidence presented was based on hearsay and he described the charges as unsubstantiated. Duffey took particular issue with the contention that pledges were forced to serve alcohol at the party, which was an allegation that was at the heart of the hazing charge.

The board has recommended Pike be permitted to petition for a return to campus no earlier than spring of 2008, and that they not be permitted to operate at the university through fall of 2009. The brothers would also be forced to move out of their house.

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