Sugandha Singh
A pledge book belonging to a member of the Pi Kappa Phi - Tau Chapter was found at a restaurant near campus. The book contains racially and sexually charged comments and derogatory racial remarks.
NC State placed the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on an interim suspension Thursday night after finding derogatory comments in the book of one of the its pledges, according to a university statement.
The university obtained possession of the book Friday morning and is in the process of conducting interviews to determine who is responsible.
“NC State does not condone intolerant behaviors directed at any members of the community, and the content in the book that surfaced Thursday night is deeply troubling,” said Mike Mullen, the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Students Affairs, and Dean of Students, in a statement. “The university is working swiftly to determine who is responsible.”
“NC State must hold as a core value a respect for diversity in all its forms and strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and valued,” Mullen said.
The national Pi Kappa Phi organization also has placed the NC State chapter on suspension during the investigation.
“The quotes in the book are reprehensible and unacceptable. We have sent staff to Raleigh to investigate the circumstances of the situation,” said Pi Kappa Phi Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Timmes. “These statements are inconsistent with the values of Pi Kappa Phi and will not be tolerated.”
“We are working closely with the university and have instructed our students to cooperate fully with all investigation efforts,” added Timmes. “We appreciate the university’s collaboration in quickly addressing the situation.”