Reports of fraternity event disturb SIUE officials

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- Authorities at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville are investigating a school-funded fraternity event that involved a videotaped bubble bath and male dancers in silk underwear.

Belated accounts of what occurred at Alpha Pi Alpha's "Dedication to Women" last fall could keep SIUE from paying for such an event again, spokesmen said Friday.

"This event is not in keeping with our institutional values," said Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor of student affairs.

The social fraternity's annual salute to women -- paid for with $1,120 from student welfare and activity fees -- was held Nov. 30. But a complaint about the activities did not reach Dean of Students Randy Rock until a casual conversation with a female student this past September, said SIUE spokesman Scott Brigham.

The dean's interviews with witnesses, including campus police, last week revealed that a videotape existed of Alpha Phi Alpha members undressing and bathing. A videotape of the entire evening was made but could not be found for Rock's investigation, fraternity President Shawn Williams said Friday.

"We don't have access to it for some reason," he said. "We haven't been able to find it."

Some disrobing did occur, the dean's report said, and several witnesses verified one incident of a dancer stripping down to a golden G-string.

The student Senate will soon decide whether student fees should help pay a requested $1,230 for the event this year on Dec. 5. The school has no authority to stop the funding and the fraternity faces no disciplinary action.