The Office of Student Conduct placed Emory’s chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) on interim suspension after an incident involving alcohol and possible hazing, according to a Feb. 18 University statement.
Residence Life staff responded to the incident at 17 Eagle Row, the AEPi house, on Feb. 12. AEPi national headquarters placed the chapter on cease and desist the next day, the University statement said.
The Office of Student Conduct’s investigation is “separate” but “parallel” to the national headquarters’ investigation. The Student Conduct investigation is reviewing the “health and safety of the students involved,” according to the statement.
Interfraternity Council President Alex Dobosh (20B) wrote in a Feb. 19 email to Emory fraternity members that hazing would not be tolerated.
“I understand the importance of tradition. I understand the importance of building connection around the rituals of our fraternities. However, there is no tradition or bonding activity that should make individuals feel unsafe or degraded,” Dobosh wrote. “ It is unfortunate to see chapters suspended as a result of hazing.”
Emory’s anti-hazing policy states that “Emory University prohibits hazing of any kind.”
Former AEPi President Michael Silver (20B), who served as the chapter’s president between January and February 2019, declined to comment. Acting AEPi President John Stark (21B) also declined to comment, directing the Wheel to the national headquarters, which did not respond.
Last month, former AEPi President Joel Sharpe (20B) was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine. Sharpe received medical amnesty for Emory code of conduct violations because he was seeking medical attention for an intoxicated individual, his attorney previously told the Wheel. Criminal charges against Sharpe are still pending.
Former Executive Editor | Richard Chess (20C) served as the Wheel's executive editor from March 2018 to August 2019. He also held various other positions at the Wheel including as news editor and senior editor. As news editor, Richard covered issues related to the city of Atlanta and reported that the 2016 Migos scandal cost Emory $37,500. Richard has received numerous collegiate journalism awards for his investigative and objective news coverage, including an SPJ Mark of Excellence Award in 2019.
