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Posted April 25 at 8:45 am

Statement regarding the interim suspension of Phi Kappa Theta

The Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø has been notified that it has been placed on interim suspension pending the conclusion of an investigation into the death of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø student Barzeen Barzanji.

While on interim suspension, all university and Interfraternity Council privileges are suspended, and the chapter is expected to cease all activities, with the exception of chapter programs approved in advance by ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø’s office of Student Life and Leadership.  During the interim suspension, all chapter-related facilities and chapter related activities must be completely alcohol and drug free.  Any violation will result in more severe sanction.  Additionally, no guests are allowed in the chapter house unless approved in advance by the office Student Life and Leadership.

Students and organizations in violation of campus policies will be referred to the office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for a hearing and, if appropriate, disciplinary action.

Update regarding ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø student passing

ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø can confirm the identity of the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø student found this morning as 20-year-old Barzeen Barzanji. A junior criminal justice major, Barzanji was the president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Police and the County Medical Examiner are continuing their investigation into the cause of death. The preliminary investigation does not indicate foul play. No further information is available at this time. Updated information will be shared on this page when it is available.

We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and want to express our sympathies to Barzeen’s friends, family and fraternity brothers.

Statement from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø President Elliot Hirshman

ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Students, Faculty and Staff,

We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of one of our students this morning.  ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Police are investigating the circumstances.  Any loss of life in our community is tragic and I encourage each of you to support each other during this difficult time.  The identity of the student will be confirmed after his parents have been reached.  ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Counseling and Psychological Services is available to support anyone who needs assistance.  Updated information will be shared on this page.

Elliot Hirshman, ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø president

Statement from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Police Chief John Browning

This morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at the Phi Kappa Theta house. A male student was found unresponsive. The student was not a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

At this time, ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Police are investigating.  The medical examiner has arrived and we are cooperating fully with their investigation.

Students have been offered emergency counseling through ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Counseling and Psychological Services and are encouraged to contact them if they need support. They can be reached at 619-594-5220.

That is all the information we can share at this time.  This page will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.

John Browning, ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø police chief