Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity has been taken off interim suspension after an incident this past November involving a goat in the fraternity’s house.
The Office of the Dean of Students and Judicial Affairs has placed the fraternity on a two-year chapter introspection period.
Davis B. Courtney, international studies junior and DKE president, declined to comment on the goals set for the fraternity’s chapter introspection period.
An agreement letter signed between Dean of Students KC White chapter advisor Randy Robin, and DKE chapter president Davis B. Courtney outlined conditions the fraternity must adhere to during the proposed chapter introspection period. For example, alcohol is not permitted at the DKE house.
The letter stated that the “initiation and other rituals of the Chapter will exclude the use of, contact with or perceived contact with animals.”
White stressed that during the two year introspection period, the Dean of Students will work closely with the alumni members of the DKE chapter to better educate members.
Norman and White both said educating the organization is important because the culture has changed greatly over the years, altering what is acceptable.
“Our job is to make sure the alumni understand the college students of today,” White said.
On Nov. 6, DKE was placed on interim suspension for approximately four months after a preliminary investigation took place throughout the fall 2006, according to a summary given by White. The investigation was conducted to “determine if there was a reasonable basis for formal charges of misconduct against DKE.”
During the investigation, the goat was discovered. White said it was reported that the members claimed the goat was a chapter mascot.
“A couple of red flags go up when a chapter wants to do something that can jeopardize the health and safety of the members or potential members,” Norman said. “The flags also go up when the chapter says this is a national tradition and the national offices say that it is not.”
According to White, no charges were filed for violations to the Student Code of Conduct, and authorities concluded there was no mistreatment of the animal.
Norman said the Greek Affairs office will have meetings with the DKE executive director and the alumni council on a regular basis.
Students feel differently about DKE being an asset to the University.
“I think all fraternities and sororities should be allowed on campus if the circumstances aren’t detrimental,” said Rachel Gates, elementary education senior and Delta Gamma member. “If they [DKE] stay on campus they should do philanthropic events and make their presence on campus valuable.”
Brooke Turnage, nutritional sciences junior, said, “I don’t think they [DKE] are an important asset. I think having a goat in the house is terrible.”
—Contact Stacy Coco at [email protected]