FSU suspends Greek activity after death of pledge student

All Greek life activities at Florida State University have been indefinitely suspended following the death of a pledge three days ago.

Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old who pledged to join Pi Kappa Phi, was found unresponsive after an off-campus house party Friday. The fraternity had been suspended by its national organization, pending the conclusion of the investigation, over the weekend.

The university also announced the unrelated arrest of a Garrett John Marcy, a 20-year-old Phi Delta Theta member who was charged with the sale and trafficking of cocaine.

FSU President John Thrasher said the suspension was necessary in order for school leaders to work together and find a solution.

“For this suspension to end, there will need to be a new normal for Greek Life at the university,” he said. “There must be a new culture, and our students must be full participants in creating it.”

While the ban on Greek activity is in place, students may remain in their fraternity and sorority houses and maintain meal service. However, chapters will be barred from hosting new member events, council or chapter meetings, chapter tailgates, organized participation in events such as Market Wednesday and Homecoming and hosting other chapter events.

Students will be allowed to attend leadership classes, judicial and conduct hearings and risk management education workshops the university offers.

Non-Greek clubs will also see changes due to the Greek life suspension. Thrasher also placed a ban on alcohol at all Recognized Student Organization events, a move that affects more than 700 clubs and organizations.

“Like most universities, we worry about alcohol and drug abuse and other dangerous behaviors, and we are doing all we can to educate our students,” Thrasher said. “But all of our student organizations — Greek organizations and the other recognized student organizations on campus — must step up. They will have to participate in the solution.”

Those who don’t adhere to the suspension guidelines will be subject to immediate disciplinary action.

Thrasher said that the suspension timeline will be dictated by how students react to the task of working toward a solution to reducing toxic behavior within FSU’s fraternities and sororities.

FSU’s Division of Student Affairs plans to “create and implement new measures in collaboration with students” and other stakeholders in the next few weeks.

“To ensure the future of fraternity and sorority life, innovative practices will need to redefine our Greek community so that it positively contributes to the full well-being of students,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht.

The Greek life suspension will not be lifted until Thrasher feels that student leaders are responsibly and effectively managing their organizations.

“They must work with us and demonstrate they fully understand the serious obligation they have to exercise responsible conduct,” he said.

This story was originally published November 6, 2017 at 3:26 PM with the headline "FSU suspends Greek activity after death of pledge student."