By Ari Lipsitz

Multiple sources confirmed to NYU Local that fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi is under investigation by the University for multiple incidents, including underaged drinking and “other activities that are out of line.” NYU has repeatedly asked for a resolution, but claims the fraternity has been unwilling to cooperate for months.

Meanwhile, the fraternity is silent. AEPi Alpha, the 105 year-old founding chapter of the international Jewish fraternity, did not respond to repeated inquiries about its status. Fraternity president Jonathan Patarkatsi refused to comment, repeatedly directing us to the international chapter’s publicist. One member claimed, “we are no longer affiliated with NYU.” The publicist denied that, but admitted AEPi’s relationship with NYU is “in flux.”

Although numerous attempts were made to reach out to members of AEPi, other Greek organizations, NYU’s Greek governing body, student government, and mutual friends of the fraternity, scarcely anyone would comment. But one member of AEPi eventually responded.

“We are no longer affiliated with NYU,” Jonathan Klinger, the AEPi chair of Jewish Life, claimed. “We had our differences and decided that it would be best.”

NYU spokesperson John Beckman confirmed there was a “judicial process” with AEPi. “It involves a number of alleged violations against the organization, including alcohol being served to new members/minors at fraternity events and other activities that are out of line with the expectations we have set for fraternities’ conduct, including activities that AEPi had specifically been warned to stop previously.”

“NYU takes these matters very seriously,” Beckman continued. “Our hope has been to reach a consensual agreement with the fraternity aimed at bringing their conduct into line with the University’s expectations, and our proposals have been in line with actions taken in past similar matters involving fraternities. “

“However,” he concluded, “AEPi so far has been unwilling to move in that direction. If their stance continues — which would be regrettable, since acknowledging the problems would be a valuable step forward in solving them, which is what we all want — we will move to a hearing before a CSALS [Center for Student Activities, Leadership and Service] judicial board.”

When asked for more information and clarification on Beckman’s comments, Klinger continued, “Listen dude. I can’t really share all of this with you. I know how papers work. Not that you would skew my words or anything. This is just something we don’t want being publicized. I would appreciate it if you did not write about AEPi at all because it really isn’t anyone’s business. Besides it’s not really a great story. Nothing happened.”

Chapter President Jonathan Patarkatsi promised a statement last night, but later recanted. When we spoke over the phone, Patarkatsi urged us to wait until everything was “cleared up.” When asked to clarify what needed to be cleared up, Patarkatsi refused to comment. “A lot of things are extremely unclear to me, to the school, to the fraternity,” he said.

AEPi publicist Jonathan Pierce, who Patarkatsi repeatedly referred us to, stated, “We are still in discussions and working with the university, and are hopeful that we will find a positive resolution. That’s all I can say about it right now.” When asked about the potential of the organization leaving NYU, he replied, “that is not an ideal scenario.”

NYU isn’t a Greek-heavy school; US News and World Report describes it as “small but active,” and claims 8% affiliation with fraternities and 5% with sororities. It’s possible to spend four years here without knowing frats exist. And, in turn, Greek organizations are better known for “fratapults” and internecine gossip than for the controversial activities that lead to student deaths at other colleges and universities. Yet this school is not immune from Greek scandal; in 2012 75% of the sorority Alpha Sigma Tau was dismissed for alcohol-related activities.

Until more details come to light, AEPi Alpha is unavailable for comment.

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