U-M frat suspended

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A fraternity chapter at the University of Michigan has been suspended after semi-nude photos of men posing with U.S. flags as part of a party invitation circulated online.

Pi Kappa Alpha said Tuesday that it placed the Ann Arbor school’s Beta Tau chapter on interim suspension. One picture included a group of men and a large flag, and accompanied an email sent to a sorority about the party. Other photos showed individual men with smaller flags.

Justin A. Buck, Pi Kappa Alpha’s executive vice president, said the photos were “inappropriate and offensive.”

Beta Tau chapter President Ryan Lee told the Detroit Free Press that the image and email were supposed to be satirical and weren’t meant to be circulated beyond one sorority. He said the fraternity meant no disrespect and aims to make amends.

The Michigan Daily and AnnArbor.com report the Interfraternity Council, a self-governing body made up of fraternity members, is investigating. The school’s Office of Greek Life also is investigating.