When faced with a difficult decision, fraternity has taught us to live with integrity, stand up for our beliefs, and respect everyone’s rights. It has also shown us why the University at Buffalo needs strong student leadership.

We are all deeply saddened by the situation that occurred in April. However, the Greek Community is committed to having a positive experience. We believe the university suspension of recruitment activities is unjust as the entire Greek Community is being punished still, months later, for the actions of a few students. Today, we announce the establishment of the Independent Interfraternity Council (IIFC) of Buffalo, New York – a coalition of fraternities previously affiliated with the University at Buffalo with the aim of positively developing fraternity culture within the community. The IIFC is currently made up of the Buffalo chapters of Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Phi Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Lambda Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Tau Gamma, Tau Epsilon Phi, and Theta Chi. These organizations are recognized and supported by their respective national organizations and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

As student leaders committed to the Buffalo community, we have a vision that is dedicated to safety, integrity, and a commitment to service. The IIFC will allow us to fully resume all normal activities, such as philanthropy and fundraising events, community service, regular chapter meetings, officer elections, and recruitment. We are excited to provide UB students and Buffalo residents an organized group of young gentlemen they can rely on. All students and member organizations in the IIFC will be expected to follow the law, their national organizations’ policies, and the university Code of Student Conduct, except in cases where the Code may infringe on a student’s constitutional rights. Student and local alumni leadership are being established, and our top priority will be the health and safety of all fraternity members and guests.

The IIFC hopes to rebuild a partnership with the university in the future. But until our student rights are respected and our organizations are treated equally, we will operate our fraternal community on our own with integrity, fairness, and independence. We believe all students, current and future, have the right to a fraternal experience if they so choose. We hope this new collaboration will elevate safety, responsibility, and engagement within our community.

Thank you.

William Conklin

IIFC President





This letter remains in the shape it was sent in and has not been altered.