The Kappa Alpha fraternity is facing a multi-year suspension from campus, officials said.
Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities Christy Anthony said administrators alerted Kappa Alpha of its suspension June 5 after a University Hearing Board within the Code of Student Conduct heard the case. She said the chapter received a suspension of at least two years, but representatives of Kappa Alpha’s national organization said they plan to appeal the decision.
“Where student organization conduct outcomes are important to our community, particularly outcomes that result in removal of recognition of a particular student organization, we believe it is appropriate to share and make students aware of that decision, as such organizations are also prohibited from hosting events during the suspension,” Anthony said in an email.
She said a panel of “trained students and staff” made the decision, and the review of an appeal involves student, faculty and staff “decision-makers.”
Provost Brian Blake and Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Cissy Petty reviewed the board’s recommendation and concurred with the decision, Anthony said.
Kappa Alpha was sanctioned in 2014 for hazing and underage drinking. The chapter was originally chartered at GW in 1894 but left campus in 1960 until 2007 when the fraternity hosted its inaugural class of 29 members.
If and when the suspension is finalized, Anthony said Kappa Alpha’s housing agreement will be canceled, and the chapter’s townhouse at 605 22nd St. will be reassigned. The chapter has occupied the townhouse since 2014 after moving out of a floor in International House.
Brent Buswell, the director of communications for Kappa Alpha Order’s national chapter, said GW’s chapter plans to appeal the suspension, which he said the national administrative office supports.
Buswell declined to say what events led to the fraternity’s suspension.
“Kappa Alpha Order is a moral compass for modern gentlemen,” Buswell said in an email. “The chapter plans to appeal the suspension and the National Administrative Office supports their effort.”
Kappa Alpha is no longer listed as a chapter of the Interfraternity Council on the Division for Student Affairs’ website.
Max Summer, who is listed as Kappa Alpha’s primary contact on the chapter’s Engage profile, declined to comment.
Interfraternity Council President Seamus Cullen did not return multiple requests for comment.
