An Urgent Open Letter to Whitman College: Pause the Sale of the TKE House

We, the undersigned, write to express our deep concern regarding the proposed purchase of the TKE House, home to the Alpha Theta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. Through this petition, we request that Whitman College immediately pause the purchase to allow for a comprehensive review into the circumstances surrounding this purchase. This will ensure the sale is conducted transparently and in the best interests of current and future students, alumni, the fraternity, and the Whitman College community as a whole.

For nearly a century, the TKE House has been a vital part of Whitman College’s campus life, serving as a residence and hub for the fraternity's activities. TKE has fostered educational excellence, leadership, charitable service, and lifelong bonds among its members, while also enhancing the experience of the broader Whitman community. In the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to preserve the chapter’s ability to rebuild and thrive, with the TKE House serving as an essential foundation for its continued growth and success.

However, recently acquired evidence suggests that the TKE Board of Directors has possibly misrepresented the chapter’s financial condition and their motivations behind this sale. These revelations raise serious concerns about the integrity of this process and whether the transaction aligns with the best interests of the fraternity, its members, and Whitman College as a whole. Moving forward under the current terms and structure risks causing irreparable harm to the fraternity, weakening its foundation and undermining its ability to recover fully from the pandemic.

We respectfully but urgently call on Whitman College to enact a moratorium on the purchase of the TKE House. This stay will provide the necessary time to:

• Conduct a thorough review of the financial status and motivations of the TKE Board of Directors.
  
  
• Ensure the fraternity’s and students’ interests are prioritized throughout the sale process.
  
  
• Engage alumni, students, and other stakeholders in discussions about the chapter’s future and the implications of this transaction.

This is more than a transfer of property—it is about preserving the Alpha Theta Chapter’s ability to thrive as an integral part of Whitman’s diverse community. Proceeding with the sale under the current circumstances would damage trust between Whitman College and its students and alumni. It will jeopardize the fraternity’s future and leave lasting repercussions within the alumni community, possibly affecting their willingness to support the college. We see this sale as a permanent decision with lasting consequences for a temporary situation, disrupting nearly 100 years of precedence.

By signing this petition, we stand united in calling on Whitman College and the TKE Board of Directors to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the best interests of students and alumni. We urge the administration to immediately halt the purchase proceedings and take the necessary steps outlined above to preserve trust and ensure that this transaction is conducted with integrity and the right intentions.