Three Columbia University Fraternities on Suspension

Columbia University has suspended three of its fraternities after five students were arrested earlier this week on drug charges. The university has announced an interim suspension for chapters of Alpha Epsilon Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha and Psi Upsilon.

The suspension means no social events, including initiations and parties, are to take place, while school officials investigate the chapters.

Mark Williams, executive director of Psi Upsilon, said his fraternity had already canceled activities on Tuesday. He said school officials will interview the fraternity's members, to see if anyone else was aware of the alleged activities and to determine if any future action should be taken. "We also need to be able to support those who had no knowledge, who are students doing the things that are expected of them and working hard at a very challenging school."     

Kevin Shollenberger, the university's Dean of Student Affairs, issued a statement on the matter. "We remain most concerned about the health and welfare of our students and will utilize this review process as an opportunity to further educate students about their decision and how they impact our community," the statement said.

Williams said he expected Psi Upsilon to remain on suspension through the end of the term.