Fraternity, Student Suspended in Connection with Hattiesburg Zoo Incident
Thu, 10/09/2014 - 12:19pm | By: David Tisdale
The University of Southern Mississippi has indefinitely suspended the Delta Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (PIKE) at the school, following the arrest of one of its pledges.
Devin Nottis, 19, of Pascagoula, Miss. was arrested Oct. 8 on charges of grand larceny in connection with the Oct. 7 break-in at the Hattiesburg Zoo and death of two flamingos at the facility. The student has also been placed on interim suspension by the University.
During interim suspension, Nottis is prohibited from campus for any reason other than judicial proceedings with the University's Dean of Students Office, and is subject to arrest if found in violation of this order.
The chapter has been ordered to cease and desist all activities until further notice by the University. In addition, the national office of the fraternity has placed the chapter on administrative suspension, requiring that it cease operations for 30 days while executive officers determine its future.
“The University is taking swift and appropriate action in response to this incident,” said Southern Miss Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul. “This is a terrible and heinous act that has occurred, and inconsistent with the values of our institution.”