Muhlenberg College Suspends TKE Fraternity
In early February, allegations involving Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity were heard by the Judicial Board of Muhlenberg College.Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:51 AM
In early February, allegations involving Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity were heard by the Judicial Board of Muhlenberg College. The Board’s recommendation to suspend the organization for three years was presented to Dean of Students Rudy Ehrenberg, and he concurred. President James Steffy and the officers of the College’s Board of Trustees were also apprised of the decision.
This action comes after repeated violations of the College’s social code by the fraternity and its members. It also comes after a number of sanctions by the College’s judicial system for various members involved in incidents including sexual assaults, simple assault, underage drinking, alcohol abuse and drug use.
During the three-year suspension period, TKE will not be recognized as part of the college community. The fraternity will be eligible to return, as a substance free fraternity, in the fall of 2006.
“Fraternities and sororities have an important role at Muhlenberg College as long as they promote positive values and healthy environments,” says Ehrenberg. “This action comes after a series of serious incidents and unsafe behavior that the College will no longer tolerate. In spite of repeated warnings and sanctions, violations continued to occur.”
Students living in TKE will be allowed to live there for the remainder of this semester; however, they will be subject to stringent conditions, regular inspections and a live-in college staff member. Alternative college housing will be available if requested.
Letters explaining the College’s action are being sent to current members of TKE fraternity, parents of current members, and TKE alumni. Members of other fraternities and sororities on campus, as well as the entire student body, will also be informed of the College’s action.
“Members of our fraternities and sororities are campus leaders and valuable citizens of the college community, who are heavily involved in community service,” said Ehrenberg. “However, TKE’s behavior has been inconsistent with the rest of the Greek system and with the culture of the Muhlenberg College, and as such, can not be allowed to continue.”
