Fraternity closed by national organization
The Phi Kappa Tau national organization has announced the closure of the Gamma Eta chapter after an investigation conducted by the organization in collaboration with and supported by the university.
The closure of the chapter is effective May 7 with no specific date for a return to the ECU campus.
“It is very disappointing to see a chapter that has strayed from our mission of providing brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character” stated Tim Hudson, chief executive officer for Phi Kappa Tau’s national organization. “The National Council has sent a clear message that the actions uncovered in the investigation are not permitted within our fraternity. We look forward to continuing our partnership with East Carolina University who is supportive of this action.”
In spring 2018, Phi Kappa Tau was placed on deferred suspension by the university with support from the national organization and alumni for violations of university and fraternity policies on alcohol and safety. The five fraternity members who were charged with drug-related offenses on April 10, along with the chapter’s overall history, resulted in the decision by the national organization to close the chapter.
Any ECU investigations into individual behaviors will continue and are not impacted by this chapter closing.
“We strongly believe that our fraternity and sorority community can be one the best attributes of our campus community,” said Dr. Virginia Hardy, ECU vice chancellor for student affairs. “We are committed to collaborating with our students, alumni, advisors and national organizations to achieve that shared vision. In strengthening that commitment, our Greek students must understand that accountability and responsibility are key components of this experience. We remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing behaviors that do not meet our Greek Life and university expectations.”
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