Pledge’s death dampens FSU homecoming

Greek suspension at school not enough, attorney says.

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State’s suspension of all fraternities and sororities after a pledge’s death dampens Greek life on campus just as it prepares for homecoming week. But one critic says more may be needed to change fraternity behavior.

Douglas Fierberg, a Washington-based attorney who has pursued lawsuits over hazing deaths, says he’s skeptical that suspensions go far enough, after Florida State became at least the third school to do so this year. The school suspended 55 fraternities and sororities Monday following the suspected alcohol-related death of a pledge and the cocaine-related arrest of someone at another fraternity.

“I think campuses are doing it because they believe some form of a perceived strong reaction is a necessity,” Fierberg said, adding that schools typically lift the suspensions without changing the self-governance of the Greek houses or adding transparency on incidents.

“This structure has proven to fail for decades.”

The suspension hits the campus as it prepares for events that usually deeply involve Greek houses, which includes a homecoming parade on Nov. 17.

“It will be more tame and not as festive as it usually is because there are a lot of floats during the parade and competitions during the week,” Florida State student Rachel Humphries said.

Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi, died Friday after he was found unresponsive following a party. Police said alcohol may have been a factor but were awaiting an autopsy. Coffey, 20, was a junior in his first semester at Florida State.

On Monday, Garrett John Marcy, a member of Phi Delta Theta, was arrested by university police and charged with the sale and trafficking of cocaine. Marcy, 20, is also a junior and continues to be held in Leon County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

University President John Thrasher said Monday the duration of the suspension had not yet been determined.

“I just feel like for whatever reason, the message is not getting through,” Thrasher said. “Unfortunately, we’ve got to take steps with our students, to make sure this never happens again.”

Students can continue to live in their fraternity or sorority houses and can hold meetings with the university or their national chapter, but won’t be allowed to hold any other events including any organized participation in homecoming. Thrasher has also banned alcohol at all student organization events during the suspension.