March 23, 2015

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TECHNICIAN

monday march

23 2015

Raleigh, North Carolina

technicianonline.com

NCSU suspends, investigates two fraternities PI KAPPA PHI CHAPTER TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR OFFENSIVE BOOK FOUND NEAR CAMPUS Katherine Kehoe News Editor

NC State’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi accepted responsibility for a book found near campus last week that was filled with offensive comments written next to the signatures of current fraternity members, in a statement issued Sunday night. Max Copeland, the president of Pi Kappa Phi - Tau Chapter, sent a letter to the Technician apologizing for the offensive words and comments in

the book, including blatantly racist and sexist quotes, which was found in a nearby restaurant Thursday and turned over to a local media outlet. “These quotes were not intended to offend individuals or the community, but they are unacceptable by any means,” Copeland said in the statement. “The quotes were in poor taste and show a lack of respect to our fellow students. This was truly unacceptable behavior on the part of our chapter’s members. Our behavior has brought anger and dismay to the

NC State Community, and we accept responsibility.” The national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity organization placed the chapter on interim suspension Friday after news of the contents of the small, green book appeared on WRAL Thursday evening. While under interim suspension, the chapter cannot hold meetings or participate in philanthropic or social events. Comments handwritten in the notebook contained racially and

sexually offensive language and derogatory comments about women and children. “It will be short and painful, just like when I rape you,” “If she’s hot enough, she doesn’t need a pulse,” and “That tree is so perfect for lynching,” are examples of some of the comments found in the book. The university also suspended its chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Friday. University Police released a WolfAlert about a reported sexual assault that happened at the house in

early March, and the organization is currently under investigation by the university regarding allegations that one or more of the fraternity’s members were dealing drugs. In response to both sets of allegations and growing national concern

For full letter from Pi Kappa Phi - Tau Chapter President Max Copeland, see page 4

BOOK continued page 2

WRESTLING

Deja vu: Nick Gwiazdowski a back-to-back national champ Preston Ellis Staff Writer

Junior Nick Gwiazdowski won his second straight heavyweight national championship in St. Louis, Missouri, this weekend as two NC State wrestlers advanced to the semifinals to help the Pack place a national ranking of 16th to cap off its successful season. The Wolfpack sent five wrestlers to the Scottrade Center to compete for top honors in their respective weight classes. Sophomore 165-pounder CHRIS RUPERT/TECHNICIAN

BRACKETS BUSTED

“There was nothing greater than getting my hand raised in that arena.” Nick Gwiazdowski

SEE PAGE 8 FOR FULL STORY

Max Rohskopf was able to go 1-2 in the tournament while senior 125-pounder Joe DeAngelo and sophomore 174-pounder Pete Renda both lost their first matches. Freshman 141-pounder Kevin Jack was able to go 3-1 in the tournament, putting together an impressive run before running into Ohio State’s four-time national champion, senior Logan Stieber, in the semifinals. Jack, who was planning on redshirting until mid-season, showed that he has the potential to be a dominant force in the 141-pound weight class with his offensive firepower and length.

Above: N.C. State fans gather at the Bell Tower Saturday to celebrate the men’s basketball team’s victory over number 1 ranked Villanova. The Wolfpack defeated the Wildcats 71-68. Right: Sophomore forward BeeJay Anya hugs senior guard Desmond Lee during the third round game of the NCAA tournament against Villanova at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. JOHN JOYNER/TECHNICIAN

CHAMPION continued page 8

Crowds celebrate springtime at Hindu festival of color Sasha Afanasyeva Staff Writer

Nearly 1,000 students gathered on Lee Field Saturday to celebrate the coming of spring with friends and dance in a cloud of colored powder at NC State’s Holi festival. Holi, the traditional Indian festival of color famous for the brightly colored powders people throw on each other, officially took place in India on March 6. However, in order to make it accessible to students, NC State’s organizers, which included Maitri, Ektaa, Delta Sigma Iota Fraternity, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority and the Union Activities Board, decided to hold the event Saturday. The participation at this year’s Holi festival was more than double from last year’s event, which had about 300 participants. In addition to the jump in numbers, this year’s event

featured a professional DJ. About every 20 minutes during the festival, the DJ counted down for everyone to throw their colored powder together, creating giant clouds of color throughout the celebration. “It was a lot of fun; everyone just shared the same happiness,” said Brentley Hovey, a sophomore studying chemical engineering. “The colors were flying, and it was like everyone was throwing happiness at each other.” Shaunak Turaga, co-president of Hindu Students Association and a junior studying electrical engineering, said Holi is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the spring harvest. “It’s a story of good defeating evil and celebrates the commitment to better ourselves with a new year’s resolution,” Turaga said. While Holi is a traditional Hindu holiday, it is often celebrated throughout the South Asian community and all around the world,

HOLI continued page 3

ELIZABETH DAVIS/TECHNICIAN

Participants at NC State’s Holi festival throw a handful of colors up at the same time. The celebration took place on Lee Field Saturday to celebrate the Hindu festival of colors. The event was sponsored by Maitri, HSA, Ektaa, Delta Sigma Iota, Kappa Phi Lambda and UAB.


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