MSU fraternity under investigation

Only two weeks after Michigan State University's Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association implemented a voluntary 30-day suspension of social events, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity is being investigated for violating the moratorium.

According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity members received e-mail messages inviting them to an unofficial party hosted by Pi Kappa Alpha members. The party, described as a "case race" beer-drinking contest, was scheduled for Friday. The invitation suggested partygoers bring $5, a girl who can drink and alcohol.

As a result of the e-mail, Michigan State University officials and the MSU Interfraternity Council are investigating the matter.

Billie Molasso, coordinator for MSU's Greek Life, told the Detroit Free Press that due to the investigation, the fraternity canceled the party.

Terry Denbow, MSU vice president of university relations, said he is "very disappointed" that members may have been planning a party.

"Some people still don't get it," Denbow said.

"When you are in college, you are accountable for your actions. It is frustrating to see people receive the message of health dangers, dangers of crime and ignore it," Denbow said.

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity members refused to comment on the investigation yesterday.

In addition to the unofficial party, the e-mails also made reference to a date party that allegedly included an open alcohol bar on Feb. 11 - only one day after the moratorium began.

Molasso told the Free Press that the date party was also under investigation and if "there was a violation of policy, the fraternity will be held accountable for it."

Despite the investigations, MSU students have found that fraternities and sororities have been in accordance with the moratorium.

Ryan Mahaney, a MSU first-year student who said he attends fraternity parties regularly, said he has not heard of Greek members holding illegal parties. Mahaney said that Greek community members are instead attending house parties.

"It basically just changed the location of the parties," Mahaney said.

Mahaney said he thinks the moratorium is just a way to appease student's parents.

"There has been such an uproar and parents are worried," he said.

Other students said the moratorium is a good cooling-off period.

First-year student Allison Barber said she was in favor of the 30-day suspension.

"It gives fraternities and sororities time to think of programs and social gatherings without alcohol," Barber said.

"MSU has been getting a bad rap. The 30 day suspension was supposed to give us a chance to regain good image," she said.

02-25-99