Florida State University’s President John Thrasher, shut down the university’s Greek Life operations on Tuesday after Andrew Coffey, a pledge of the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi died at the age of 20.
While the official cause of Thrasher’s death has yet to be determined, police said they believe it may have been alcohol related.
Students at Grand Rapids Community College had mixed reactions to the news.
“Learning about this happening kind of freaked me out in that my mom always told me if you ever party, party with people you trust,” said Evie Kiryanoff, 25, of Grand Rapids.
Kiryanoff said she has witnessed people drink in excess at college parties.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken care of someone at a party,” Kiryanoff said.
Elliot Lipski, 20, of Grand Rapids disagreed with Thrasher’s decision to suspend Greek Life at Florida State.
“I don’t think they should do that,” Lipski said. “It’s just one life, they choose to drink, it’s partially their fault.”
Some students like Joseph Spicer, 19, from Grand Rapids, suggested a method to regulate drinking alcohol.
“Companies should put warning labels (on alcohol) like cigarette boxes,” Spicer said. “If you put it on alcohol bottles and let people know they should only drink this amount, it would help.”
Collegiate staffers Carson McCready, Mycah Roark and Leah Spoolstra all contributed to this report.
