Fraternity sees potential recognition from university

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity was suspended from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2006 as a result of a violation of the hazing laws on campus. The suspension was set to be in effect for five years, granting them review in the fall 2011 semester.

According to Dean of Campus Life and Student Development Brian Nichols, the fraternity does not have to be allowed back on campus, and there is no guarantee on a decision either way.

Pi Kappa Alpha president Justin McGuffey had no comment on the allegations, suspension or upcoming review.

However, Sigma Chi president Micah Glascock had some thoughts on the current situation.

"Honestly, them being let back on campus is not going to affect much anyway because the university never enforced the rules and ultimatums they gave them in the first place," he said.

The exact details of the hazing case and the terms of the fraternity's suspension are not publicly known, but it is clear that some of the recognized organizations on campus feel as though the Pikes have not yet served their punishment, whether it be administration's fault or not.

"It will be nice for them to have to follow the same rules we do, but at the same time I think it is unfair that they might be allowed back on campus even though they haven't done anything except show they can't follow rules that are placed upon them," Glascock said. "They are in a comfortable sort of limbo right now where they can rush who they want, when they want and however they want."

The organization is still technically considered an active fraternity despite their dismissal from campus, because they are still in possession of their charter and are recognized by their national officers, allowing them to continue to initiate new members. However, it is difficult for a Greek chapter of any kind to properly operate without being sanctioned with an educational institution.

"We have been doing out best to redeem our credibility with the campus during our suspension, and we view the past four years as an opportunity to better ourselves as not only a chapter, but as individual men and students," Pi Kappa Alpha alumnus Christian Beatty said.

Beatty recently graduated from A&M-Commerce in December and was a member of the fraternity throughout the suspension period.

"Obviously we would love to be able to be brought back on campus, but that decision is not ours to make," he said. "Until that day comes, the men of Pi Kappa Alpha at A&M-Commerce will continue to strive for the betterment of this university and the surrounding community and will hopefully raise the expectations of what it means to be a fraternity man on campus."

According to Nichols, they are striving to do just that and despite the reputation of the fraternity, the members who were present in 2006 are no longer active members of the organization and have been succeeded by upstanding men.

"We have some outstanding student leaders who are members of Pi Kappa Alpha," he said.