FSU's President Thrasher lifts portions of Greek life ban
January 29, 2018
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Florida State University President John Thrasher has announced that portions of a
at the university have now been lifted.
Thrasher made the announcement at a press conference on Monday afternoon at FSU's Westcott Building.
President Thrasher says fraternities and sororities at FSU will now be allowed to resume recruitment and philanthropic activities, but social activities are still suspended until further notice. Thrasher says the possibility of reinstating participation in social events will be addressed later in the semester.
The Greek life suspension has been in place since November 6, just three days after the
. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's now-defunct Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter, was found dead following an off-campus fraternity party. An autopsy revealed that Coffey died from alcohol poisoning.
Nine Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members are now facing
www.wctv.tv/content/news/TPD-announces-nine-arrest-warrants-in-death-of-Andrew-Coffey-469650183.html">felony hazing charges
in Coffey's death.
The resulting Greek life suspension prohibited all fraternity and sorority chapters at the university from holding any chapter-organized events or participating in school activities as a group.
Upon instituting the suspension back in November, President Thrasher said, "For this suspension to end, there will need to be a new normal for Greek Life at the university. There must be a new culture, and our students must be full participants in creating it."
On Monday, Thrasher said, “I’ve said all along that in order for there to be real change on campus, students must be part of the solution. Our students are now beginning to fully understand the serious obligation they have to behave responsibly. They have demonstrated this during the past three months and have pledged to continue to do so.”
A ban on alcohol remains in effect for all FSU fraternities, sororities, and the 700 recognized student organizations on campus.
Thrasher also outlined a new set of guidelines for students participating in Greek life, including measures such as new grade-point average requirements, community service hours, and hazing prevention training.
In a press release, university officials provided an overview of three broad areas undergoing changes, as follows:
University officials say the complete plan is available for review online at
.
"Our students have acknowledged and demonstrated their understanding of our university values and expectations," President Thrasher said. "This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a real culture shift on campus – but certainly not the end."
To watch President Thrasher's complete press conference, click on the video player below:
