University suspends DKE fraternity for five years

Members of Greek community comment on suspension

Dan McKechnie

SHUT DOWN Frank Robinson announces the 5-year suspension handed to the U of A DKE chapter.

The University of Alberta administration has suspended the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity chapter for five years due to hazing activity, and although the group will continue to exist, they will no longer be affiliated with the U of A.

U of A Dean of Students Frank Robinson announced January 27 that the university investigation revealed that hazing activities had taken place. Some of the hazing allegations raised in October 2010 included forcing pledges to eat their own vomit, closing them into a plywood box, and depriving them of sleep.

Robinson could not go into detail about the hazing or the investigation, but added that they are not pursuing charges against individual students. The chapter, whose members are known as "Dekes," admitted that both students and alumni were involved in hazing.

During the five-year suspension, the group will lose its student group status, meaning they won't be allowed to use the university's name or insignia, use the university's liquor or gaming licenses, rent university property or equipment, or participate in university governance or other activities.

However, Kappa Sigma President Bryan Launier said that he doesn't think the sanctions are going to change anything, as the fraternity will still exist, just not as a registered student group.

"I think the university did as much as they could within the power they had. I know if it was the same issue with my fraternity, we would've had a lot more issues coming from our headquarters and would've been dealt a lot harsher treatment from our fraternity's own headquarters," he said.

In December, DKE International provisionally suspended the U of A chapter for three years. A local Alumni Council will be formed to monitor the activities of the chapter and revise the initiation process. Initiations will take place in 2011, adhering to the standards of International.

Pi Kappa Alpha President Justin Kuchmak said that he didn't want to speak for his entire fraternity, but personally felt that the punishment wasn't severe enough.

"Hazing goes against the student code of conduct, violates personal rights, and is unacceptable in not just a Greek letter organization, but any organization. Due to the severe nature of the offence, I believe that the punishment levied against the Dekes was not harsh enough," he said. "At the end of the day, it falls under the Dean's discretion, which we must support."

After a period of three years, the chapter may apply to have the suspension lifted at Robinson's discretion, provided they can demonstrate good behaviour during the period of suspension and provide a plan for future activities. In addition, during that time, the Dekes will be periodically meeting with Robinson.

"One aspect is a sanction and the other part I like to think of as more of a restorative model. We have agreed to work with [the fraternity] and help them come back, as opposed to simply slamming the door," Robinson said.

The last time a fraternity was sanctioned at the U of A was in 1999. That case also involved the DKE chapter.

Students' Union Vice President (Student Life) Rory Tighe was pleased with the university's action.

"I'm glad the university took a stronger stance than the [DKE International] alumni council. I hope this will accomplish the goal," Tighe said. "I do think that this required a harsh sentence and I think that was appropriate. I'm hoping that this does lead to what the Dean said — rebuilding the community and allowing the Greek system to get back to its height."

InterFraternity Council President Mike Siebert also released a statement stating that DKE will be suspended from IFC as long as they are suspended as a student group.

"This group has acted in an immature and selfish manner and by doing so has undermined the positive impact that fraternities strive for," he wrote.

DKE posted a statement on their website last Thursday apologizing to the university community for their actions.

"We agree that hazing has no place at the University of Alberta or in fraternity life, and we, the Delta Phi chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon, apologize to the international fraternity, the University of Alberta, the university community, and the other fraternities at the university."

To read Jonn Kmech's editorial on the subject, click here.