AEPi being probed for rules violations

The fraternity could face suspension for hazing or other infractions. The Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity is facing a possible suspension as the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and the AEPi national office investigate possible rules violations, OFSA Director Scott Reikofski said. While the University and AEPi officials are discussing risk management issues, the national office has placed a hold on all AEPi chapter events, preventing the fraternity's pledges from being initiated as of yet. After the chapter was forced to go dry because of its role in September's non-fatal alcohol poisoning of a female freshman who had at least 12 drinks at an AEPi hotel party, Reikofski warned in November that if there were any further violations, the chapter would be suspended. Both OFSA and AEPi were vague about specific concerns, though Reikofski cited hazing and missed settlement agreement deadlines from the September incident. But AEPi International Risk Management Director Scott Cohon had said earlier in the day that hazing was not an issue under discussion. "That's one of the things that we seem to differ on," Reikofski said. The University and national fraternity prohibit hazing or any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. Five months later, Cohon said that both the University and the national office are discussing "recent issues." "AEPi's national made a follow-up visit to the chapter," Reikofski said in a statement. "There were a couple of issues that we have discussed and on which the national followed up with the chapter." AEPi Executive Director Sidney Dunn came to campus March 25 to investigate the potential violations and the national office made a proposal to the University outlining steps the chapter should take to improve itself. "I think there are some things we need to fix," Cohon commented Tuesday, after saying that the Indianapolis-based national office is dedicated to cooperating with the University in ensuring a safe fraternity experience. By the end of this week, Cohon said he hopes to have an "open dialogue" with the University on the results of the two investigations and options dictated in the proposal, adding that he has not had any difficulties working with OFSA thus far. "Scott Reikofski has been extremely fair and open-minded," Cohon said. Reikofski, too, said he would make a decision on the proposal by the end of this week. He added that the direction of the dialogue would depend on whether OFSA reaches the same conclusions in its investigations, determines the national fraternity's solutions are adequate and agrees with the national on who should have responsibility in enforcing the solutions. "Right now, we're supporting the national in their actions," Reikofski said. Penn's AEPi President Dan Tehrani, a Wharton junior, declined to comment on allegations of hazing or possible suspension. Pointing to the settlement agreement issue brought forth, Tehrani said, "I think it was a miscommunication between all parties."