In a letter to Mountaineer parents last Sunday, West Virginia University president E. Gordon Gee criticized recent behavior by some fraternities on campus and urged parents to keep their students away from potential conduct violations.
Gee’s letter came as a response to social media postings and reactions to plans implemented by university leadership last February, “Reaching The Summit: Plan for Excellence.” These efforts by the university to reform Greek life were a result of conduct violations at WVU.
Earlier that month, Menos Hiras, a Theta Chi brother, posted a Snapchat video using racial slurs towards a bartender and was suspended from his fraternity.
“Reaching the Summit” is a plan for Greek life to maintain proper conduct by students and improve community standards. The efforts by the university are a result of “drug/alcohol abuse, physical altercations, over occupancy at events, disorderly misconduct, sexual misconduct and hazing,” according to Gee’s statement.
“The University will not tolerate dissident operations,” Dean of Students, Corey Farris said. “We are committed to promoting a safe, engaged and productive Fraternity and Sorority Life community on our campus – one built around dialogue and mutual understanding.
Although both Farris and Gee’s statements were concluded with their support of Greek life at West Virginia University, saying many fraternities and sororities have been “excellent partners” and “exceptional leaders” the issue was met with both support and disdain on Twitter.
So, what is a “dissident fraternity”? By definition, an individual or organization in opposition to official policy.
Alpha Sigma Phi and Phi Sigma Kappa both rescinded their letters of disassociation and met with university officials Tuesday in efforts to reconcile differences regarding “Reaching the Summit.”
Sigma Chi, however, remains separated from West Virginia University and is on interim suspension by its national headquarters, who did not support the disassociation.
Kappa Alpha also remains separated from the university but is supported by their national administration. “KA remains unified at all levels in the need to address the restriction of rights and onerous requirements and we look forward to meeting with President Gee tomorrow,” they said in a press statement Monday.
Kappa Alpha disobeyed WVU delayed-recruitment policies by sharing invites to rush events, saying, “ALL are welcome, including first semester freshman! We’re excited to see you all,” and “#WelcomeFreshman #JoinThisSemester.”
“Kappa Alpha’s actions are in direct defiance to University regulations and protocols. Therefore, I must strongly encourage [parents] to speak with your students and discourage them from participating in any Kappa Alpha event should they be considering this option,” Gee said regarding the social media activity.
Former president of Phi Mu Alpha Barak McCoy-Googel said the recent incidents were “disappointing.”
“It’s our job to be good examples, not the status quo,” McCoy-Googel said.
As a result of a meeting Wednesday with leaders of the disassociated fraternities, President Gee said, “While there is still much work to be done, we had an open and honest conversation. I believe we more clearly understand each other’s position, and we are hopeful that we can come to an agreeable resolution. Nevertheless, West Virginia University will not deviate from its goal to provide for the safety and welfare of its students. We are also dedicated to working with our student leaders who remain steadfast in their commitment to strengthen Fraternity and Sorority Life on our campus.”