Alpha Epsilon Pi’s University of Rhode Island chapter has been derecognized by the national office, citing “a sustained pattern of unacceptable behavior.”
The Jewish fraternity has been on campus since 1928, though it was rechartered in 1978, 2009 and 2014, according to Jewish Rhode Island.
AEPi was not on probation or suspended by the university prior to their derecognition. The fraternity was last on probation in February 2024 for violating the university alcohol policy, according to Cigar coverage.
“AEPi no longer recognizes this chapter and anyone representing themselves as a chapter of AEPi is doing so under false pretenses,” AEPi Chief Communications Officer Johnathan Pierce said in a statement to The Good Five Cent Cigar on April 3.
Ongoing violations of AEPi health and safety guidelines led to the chapter’s derecognition, according to the AEPi statement. Specific violations were not given.
URI AEPi also showed “unwillingness” to work with AEPi staff to improve, according to the statement.
“Closing a chapter is never a desired result and we are deeply saddened to be in this situation,” AEPi said in their statement.
Both URI and AEPi nationals have an interest in reorganizing the chapter.
“AEPi national, as well as local alumni, have expressed an interest in reorganizing the chapter at URI in the near future,” URI Director of Communications Dawn Bergantino said in a statement to The Good Five Cent Cigar.
