FSU president partially lifts Greek life suspension after less than 3 months

FSU President Thrasher
Photo credit:
WCTV

President John Thrasher temporarily suspended Greek life at Florida State University on Nov. 6. But on Jan. 29, the Greek life suspension was partially lifted. Thrasher has implemented new changes such as for philanthropy and recruiting to resume at FSU immediately. The alcohol ban remains in place. If Greek students disobey the new changes they will be suspensions placed, all in which will be held accountable. The nine fraternity members were arrested Jan. 17 and were charged by the state attorney with hazing-related offenses. Currently the members are awaiting trial, all nine members have plead not guilty. The national offices of the Pi Kappa Phi have been closed at Florida State University following the death of Andrew Coffey. 

President Thrasher said, “We have kept the ban, put in place at the same time last year, will remain in effect for all 700 student organizations on campus.” 

Andrew Coffey, 20, a member of the Pi Kappa Phi died in November, his body was found without a pulse after a binge drinking fraternity party.  A 911 tape from Andrew Coffey’s death was released Jan. 30.

Jamie Davis, Director of Student Support Services at FAMU’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and member of the graduate chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi said, “This is a delicate situation, but as a member of a Greek organization, I’m pleased to hear FSU’s administration is moving forward with their plan to meet the needs of the student body, but also addressing the concerns that unfortunately is a problem at SFU and other campuses across the country.” 

Brailon Miles, a former public relations student, has a mildly different view on hazing and how if these actions were on the campus of FAMU how the university’s reputation would be put at risk. 

“FAMU Greek life would not get off that easily at FAMU, this would not have happened at a HBCU or a NPHC organization if we were to do something like that it wouldn’t have happened, it’s definitely a race thing, but you know how that goes,” said Miles, a member of the Iota Phi Theta. 

“This wouldn’t have been allowed at FAMU and we both know that,” he added, “but somehow the ban is lifted at FSU.” 

FAMU administrators  experienced first-hand a hazing tragedy following the death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion in November 2011, and unlike FSU’s early changes, FAMU’s Marching 100 was suspended for 21 months following the death of Champion. 

President John Thrasher temporarily suspended Greek life at Florida State University on Nov. 6. But on Jan. 29, the Greek life suspension was partially lifted. Thrasher has implemented new changes such as for philanthropy and recruiting to resume at FSU immediately. The alcohol ban remains in place. If Greek students disobey the new changes they will be suspensions placed, all in which will be held accountable. The nine fraternity members were arrested Jan. 17 and were charged by the state attorney with hazing-related offenses. Currently the members are awaiting trial, all nine members have plead not guilty. The national offices of the Pi Kappa Phi have been closed at Florida State University following the death of Andrew Coffey. 

President Thrasher said, “We have kept the ban, put in place at the same time last year, will remain in effect for all 700 student organizations on campus.” 

Andrew Coffey, 20, a member of the Pi Kappa Phi died in November, his body was found without a pulse after a binge drinking fraternity party.  A 911 tape from Andrew Coffey’s death was released Jan. 30.

Jamie Davis, Director of Student Support Services at FAMU’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and member of the graduate chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi said, “This is a delicate situation, but as a member of a Greek organization, I’m pleased to hear FSU’s administration is moving forward with their plan to meet the needs of the student body, but also addressing the concerns that unfortunately is a problem at SFU and other campuses across the country.” 

Brailon Miles, a former public relations student, has a mildly different view on hazing and how if these actions were on the campus of FAMU how the university’s reputation would be put at risk. 

“FAMU Greek life would not get off that easily at FAMU, this would not have happened at a HBCU or a NPHC organization if we were to do something like that it wouldn’t have happened, it’s definitely a race thing, but you know how that goes,” said Miles, a member of the Iota Phi Theta. 

“This wouldn’t have been allowed at FAMU and we both know that,” he added, “but somehow the ban is lifted at FSU.” 

FAMU administrators  experienced first-hand a hazing tragedy following the death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion in November 2011, and unlike FSU’s early changes, FAMU’s Marching 100 was suspended for 21 months following the death of Champion.