After 10 years, the Theta Omega chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is returning to Binghamton University this semester. The fraternity’s official philanthropic efforts will support the nonprofit The Ability Experience.
“We are looking for exceptional leaders who are seeking the uncommon opportunity of starting a fraternity here at Binghamton rather than joining one,” wrote Pi Kappa Phi leadership consultant Cormac O’Dear. “Each member will collectively decide who Pi Kappa Phi is on campus and actively create a presence from the moment they join.”
In an Instagram post, BU’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi boasted 15 years of history at the University, and O’Dear said the organization was active beginning in 2010. The listed cause of de-chartering in September 2015 was an alleged alcohol-related individual conduct violation of Pi Kappa Phi’s risk management policy. The case was not adjudicated because of the fraternity’s closure the next month, which appears to be because of violations of their interim suspension.
L.C. Coghill, the senior director of off-campus and fraternity and sorority life, did not return a request for comment on the fraternity’s 2015 closure.
Founded in 1904 at the College of Charleston, Pi Kappa Phi has 187 active chapters in the United States. In 1977, Pi Kappa Phi became the first fraternity to start its own philanthropic organization, The Ability Experience, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting disabled people through awareness campaigns, fundraising and volunteering.
“The Ability Experience strives to instill a passion for lifelong service in our fraternity members while helping to empower people living with disabilities,” O’Dear wrote.
Pi Kappa Phi chapters host educational empathy training events that “simulate” the experiences of disabled people and advocate for the use of person-first language, or putting the person before their disability when referring to them. Many disability advocacy groups champion person-first language, while others prefer identity-first language, which places the disability before the person, including many deaf and autistic advocacy groups. A study published in the National Institutes of Health journal suggests asking individuals’ preferences or using a mix of both when referring to a group.
