Sean Rossman

Democrat staff writer

The Florida State University chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity has been reinstated after the university investigated three separate reports that didn't result in charges.

The chapter was placed on an interim disciplinary action shortly after a sexual battery was reported at the Pi Kappa Alpha house following a party Oct. 11. The fraternity president was sent a letter six days later saying the group could not meet or participate in university activities until a student conduct code determination was made or the university amended its decision.

The letter cited university and Title IX concerns.

FSU vice president for student affairs Mary Coburn said the university and its police department received reports of illegal drug use, sexual assault and excessive alcohol abuse at the fraternity during this fall semester.

The interim disciplinary action, she said, is not uncommon when serious allegations are being investigated.

"These allegations were not based on a single incident or event," Coburn said in an emailed statement Thursday evening. "(Florida State University Police Department) investigated three separate reports over the past week. One complaint was withdrawn, and the other cases were closed after all leads were exhausted. Therefore, in the interest of fairness and justice, FSU has lifted the interim disciplinary action and restored the chapter to its normal operational status."

Maj. Jim Russell, spokesman for FSU PD, told the Democrat Thursday evening the sexual battery investigation involving Pi Kappa Alpha is still open.

A woman reported to police that she had been sexually battered at the fraternity about 4 a.m. Oct. 11, three hours after the fraternity shut down its pirate-themed "Pikes of the Caribbean" party because of large crowds. The highly redacted report didn't mention whether or not the woman identified her alleged attacker.

Lisa Brock, spokeswoman for the fraternity, told the Democrat she's proud of the fraternity's leadership for employing 21 security guards at the party and shutting it down early. The chapter will write its own Title IX policy following this investigation, she said.

"We plan to continue with our plan to write a Title IX policy to ensure that our young men have as many layers of knowledge that we can possibly provide," Brock said.

Coburn said the university will continue to monitor the fraternity and will work with the national chapter to ensure the health and safety of all students.