To the members of the AU campus community:
We appreciate your interest in the ongoing investigation of our chapter. However, there are numerous points in last week's Eagle article that were factually inaccurate. We as an organization would like for the record to be set straight in regards to our transgressions and actions moving forward.
In recent weeks, our organization has been under investigation for hazing by the University and our national organization. That we do not deny, and we take full culpability for those actions in question.
At no time have we ever required or forced any person to smoke or intake any narcotics or alcohol as part of our new member process. We have never believed those things should define the character of a man, nor his eligibility into our organization.
However, many of the instances of hazing, as reported by The Eagle, were initiated by a former brother of the fraternity. When the organization became aware of his actions, this member was expelled for his behavior and removed from the national organization. We view these actions as disgusting, despicable and not indicative of our values.
We ask, moving forward, that the AU community accept our apology for tarnishing the reputation of not only TKE, but of the Greek community as a whole.
Despite what has happened, the members of TKE will continue to make positive contributions to the AU and D.C. community. A few examples of our contributions in the past have been:
•Raising more than $20,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the past three years
•3,000 hours of community service the past three years
•Helping start and hold e-board positions in many different clubs and communities on campus
•Members have been part of the TKE National Organization committees and councils
•Helping to actively foster a more inclusive Greek community
•Done our best both on an individual and organizational level to contribute to the greater AU campus
•Participation in philanthropy and service events organized by other organizations
We pledge to cooperate with the University, as we have always done. We ask you, the AU community, to give us your support moving forward.
We look forward to again becoming a chapter in good standing that stays true to the ideals of our founders: love, charity and esteem.
Thank you,
Elliot Jeffords
Executive Vice President
Tau Kappa Epsilon American University
