The evicted leaders of a troubled MSU fraternity have opted not to appeal their national council’s decision to shut the chapter’s doors. But former members of Pi Kappa Phi still might be allowed to return to their house after a recolonization effort this fall.
The fraternity was dissolved in May for violating anti-hazing and anti-discrimination policies after pledges went to the Mason and Abbot halls cafeterias in April wearing pink, sleeveless T-shirts with phrases such as “Capt. Gay Sex” and “Fag Hairstylist” written on them.
The fraternity’s house at 131 Bogue St. is across the street from the residence halls.
Former chapter President Murat Bashelvaci said the MSU fraternity’s ousted council decided it didn’t have a chance of getting the national organization’s decision overturned. But Bashelvaci said he believes he will be reinstated to the fraternity once national officials begin signing up new members.
“Their decision is not that bad,” said Bashelvaci, a humanities and pre-law senior. “We’re going to take a little break and come back strong.”
Pi Kappa Phi national leaders plan to come to campus Sept. 23 to spend five weeks recruiting new members. Former members will then be allowed to reapply for membership in November, after the recolonization is complete.
Despite the residence hall incidents involving Pi Kappa Phi, Kenneth Oubre, the national fraternity’s coordinator of chapter development, has said there are no specific plans to educate new members about lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender issues.
“I understand the history and possible challenges that exist, but I want to move forward,” Oubre said in July. “We’re treating it as we would any new chapter.”
But MSU’s Interfraternity Council President Paul Hage said a May meeting among campus greek leaders, Student Life officials and the Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgender and Straight Ally Students produced ideas of how greeks can build a better relationship with the LBGT community.
“I think some real positive things came out of that,” Hage said.
Hage said fraternities could help the alliance with event staffing or participate in a march or parade with LBGT students this fall.
But it’s too soon to say what specific activities will be planned, Hage said. Another meeting is set for early in the fall semester.
Oubre was on campus in mid-July talking to university officials, greeks and campus leaders in preparation for the fall visit.
“I’m getting a sense of the campus culture,” he said.
Oubre and three other national staff-members will hold eight to 10 information meetings during the five-week recruitment process this fall.
“We’re looking for men with class, men of integrity,” he said. “(The former members) were, in effect, hazing their members. They can’t have contact with the new members.”
Erin Reichenbach, the LBGT alliance’s internal vice chairperson, said although she doesn’t condone the fraternity members’ April actions, she is sure Pi Kappa Phi national officials will pick new members who hold themselves and their organization in high regard.
“There is room for growth, but it will take a lot of work and coalition building for that to happen,” Reichenbach said.
“I’m sure they will do their best to create a welcoming environment in the future.”
Staff writer Antonio Planas contributed to this report.
Kurt Ludke can be reached at ludkekur@msu.edu.
