University Bans Fraternity Following Student’s Alcohol-Related Death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2000
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
University Bans Fraternity Following Student’s Alcohol-Related Death
Based on its investigation and those of the Chico Police Department and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office, California State University, Chico has permanently withdrawn recognition from the Chico chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
This action establishes that the fraternity will not use university facilities, participate in events or conduct business on the campus.
The university suspended the fraternity Oct. 10 until it could complete an investigation into the death of freshman Adrian Heideman, which took place at the Pi Kappa Phi house Oct. 7.
The university found that the fraternity violated provisions of CSU, Chico’s Student Organization Policy. Specifically, the university’s investigation found that the fraternity:
violated state laws regarding furnishing alcohol to minors;
violated its fraternity constitution, bylaws and rules regarding alcohol service and service to minors;
engaged in high-risk activities where the safety of students was at risk, and during which Adrian Heideman died; and
engaged in activities that caused, or were likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm to students enrolled at CSU, Chico.
As part of the grievance and review procedure of the Student Organization Policy, the fraternity received a written statement Nov. 17 of the results of the university’s investigation. The fraternity was given a 10-day deadline to respond to the facts of the investigation, and it chose not to do so.
The university’s Student Activities Office is responsible for enforcing sanctions against student organizations. The withdrawal of recognition can be appealed by Pi Kappa Phi to the vice president for university advancement and student affairs.
“The Pi Kappa Phi chapter must be punished for its actions related to Adrian Heideman’s death,” said CSU, Chico President Manuel Esteban. “At the same time, I feel this by no means solves the problem of alcohol abuse at Chico. Our ongoing programs including peer counseling and drug and alcohol abuse education will be expanded. New initiatives will be taken, such as making fraternity pledging safer. We will work closely with students, faculty and staff and the Chico community to make changes and create a healthier campus.”
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