Four Texas State University Fraternities Suspended After Student Death At Party

SAN MARCOS, TX — Four fraternities at Texas State University have been handed suspensions ranging from two to five years for alcohol violations, action stemming from a party that took place last year during which a student died after being struck by a bus.

Texas State University spokesman Matt Flores told the Austin American-Statesman the four fraternities suspended are: Pi Kappa Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order and Delta Tau Delta. The suspensions stem from the Oct. 28 death of freshman Jordin Taylor of Burleson, 20, who was killed she was struck by a party bus.

The young woman's body wasn't found until the day after the fraternity party, wedged under the bus that hit her after being dragged about 500 feet.

The Delta Tau Delta and Kappa Alpha Order fraternities were assessed the longest suspensions, at five and four years respectively. Alpha Tau Omega was suspended for three years, while Pi Kappa Alpha was suspended for two years.

The suspensions were handed down by a student justice panel composed of students, faculty and staff on Jan. 6, the university spokesman said. The four groups are barred from operating as a fraternity on campus, forcing them to suspend all planned activities.

In a prepared statement last week, leaders of Alpha Tau Omega said they had revoked the fraternity charter for Texas State University.

“Violations of the Fraternity’s risk education policy and the University’s code of conduct prompted the decision,” Alpha Tau Omega officials said in the prepared statement. “The chapter is closed and ATO no longer has a presence on campus. All of the chapter’s undergraduate members have been indefinitely suspended from the fraternity.”

Flores told the Statesman the fraternities have the right to appeal the suspensions. Only Pi Kappa Alpha has started the appeals process, he added.

>>> Photo of Jordin Taylor via Facebook