Greek life ‘pause’ to last a month

Michelle Marchante/News Director

The suspension of all 37 Greek organizations, which began on Monday, Jan. 1, will last for a month to give the university ample time to review and address concerns regarding Greek culture, said Larry Lunsford, vice president of Student Affairs.

Lunsford confirmed to Student Media back in December that FIU decided to pause all Greek activity, which includes recruiting, events and chapter meetings, due to what occurred during the summer and fall semester, such as the incident surrounding Tau Kappa Epsilon’s private group chat.

During this pause, Greeks will only be able to participate in FIU-sponsored educational workshops. Those who are not under probation can also have chapter meetings.

A preliminary review on Greeks was already occurring prior to the pause but the break will give the University the opportunity to involve students, alumni and others into the conversation, he said.

“I have a personal philosophy: People support what they help create, so if they help create these standards and expectations for themselves then they have ownership and are more likely to support the outcome,” he said.

The standards set for the Greek organizations during this review will also apply across the board to other student organizations and students on campus because issues such as sexual assault, hazing and underage alcohol consumption are not always “100 percent Greek,” according to Lunsford.

The hold on Greeks is expected to be lifted Tuesday, Feb. 1, but it will depend on their behavior, according to Lunsford.

The first meeting to discuss Greek life is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8. The University, along with all other state universities, will also be attending a required statewide summit in Tallahassee on Tuesday, Jan. 23 to discuss Greek behavior and mental health issues on campus.

PantherNOW will update this story as it progresses.

Featured Image by Bridgett Zayas/PantherNOW