FIU to suspend fraternity activities after student deaths
With the new year, all Greek life activities will be suspended at Florida International University for at least a month, the school’s president announced Friday.
“This decision is a consequence of growing concerns about the state of fraternity and sorority life at FIU, as well as around the nation, and is consistent with decisions made at other universities,” President Mark B. Rosenberg said in prepared statement to the press.
FIU’s action comes a little more than a month after a Florida State University fraternity pledge from Lighthouse Point died at a party near the Tallahassee campus.
Police have said alcohol played a role in 20-year-old Andrew Coffey’s death on Nov. 3. Three days later, on Nov. 6, FSU’s president indefinitely suspended all Greek life activities at that school.
Penn State and State universities Louisiana also suspended Greek activities earlier this year because of student deaths, but Florida State’s move triggered a bigger impact nationally.
Since Florida State’s announcement, Texas State, Ohio State and Michigan have also issued suspensions of Greek activities either due to a student’s death or incidents involving fraternities and sororities. During the suspension, FIU will allow Greek chapter and council meetings and educational workshops held to discuss improving Greek life at the Miami-based school and next steps.
“I appreciate the work done thus far by Greek leaders who understand that the current state is not acceptable,” Rosenberg said.
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