News from the Industry

Police announced hazing charges against nine men in the November death of Florida State University fraternity pledge Andrew Coffey. Coffey, 20, died on Nov. 3 after a Pi Kappa Phi “big brother” ritual where he passed out after drinking, according to a Leon County grand jury report released in December. Coffey was found unresponsive the morning after the party, and he had a blood alcohol level of .447 at the time of the autopsy. The grand jury concluded that there was…

News from the Industry

Social activities are starting to return to fraternities on the campus of the University of Michigan following a two-month suspension. The suspension went into effect in early November amid allegations of sexual harassment, hazing and drug use. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) said in a statement that the self-imposed suspension allowed it to "conduct an extensive review ... to identify the policies and practices needing improvement within the community." It said that…

News from the Industry

US News and World Reportand Inside Higher Ed both offer reporting on the “Call for Critical Change” meeting, which the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) launched in Indianapolis this week. Lauren Camera, education reporter for US News, wrote: “Notably, the public indignation [of recent student deaths and hazing incidents] has been aimed squarely at fraternities, not sororities. But sorority leaders have been quick to embrace the notion that their organizations are…

I offer some very happy news regarding the Kates family: Maggie just pledged Kappa Alpha Theta at Northwestern University! 

Notes of congratulations may be sent to the following address: Margaret Kates, Room 301,  North Mid-Quads, 650 Emerson St., Evanston, IL 60208.

As you may remember, Amy’s son, Sam, is a high school sophomore. He’s slowly adjusting to his new normal, and looks forward to the spring baseball season. Andy, too, is adjusting to his new normal. The family spent the…