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SALT LAKE CITY -- The University of Utah chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity has been suspended until its national headquarters investigates an anonymous hazing complaint.
Jordan Ganung, president of the University of Utah chapter, said Friday the complaint is unfounded and he is confident the chapter will be reinstated. He said the most imminent concern is that permits for the fraternity's largest philanthropic event have also been suspended until the university investigates the chapter.
Pi Kappa Alpha has a "Game Ball Run," which is a fundraising relay race between the U. and BYU football stadiums the day of the football game between the rival teams, which is coming up Nov. 27.
The event has been going on for decades and benefits Camp Hobe, a cancer camp for children. Ganung said the fraternity raised about $10,000 for the camp last year. The relay involves police escorts, but the university has asked Salt Lake City police to suspend permits for the relay because of the investigation, Ganung said.
Lori McDonald, the University of Utah's associate dean of students, confirmed the university is investigating the hazing accusation. She said the fraternity has applied for a permit for its game-day activity but that application is incomplete. "It did not have a route where they wanted to enter campus," and does not list required liability insurance information, she said. "It's difficult to get information on insurance from the national organization while they're under suspension (locally)," she said.
A representative of the Pi Kappa Alpha's national organization is expected to arrive Sunday. Ganung said he expects that representative will spend several days in Utah.
E-mail: sfidel@ksl.com
