University of Maryland Pauses Sorority, Fraternity Activities While It Conducts Investigation
Credit: Image Credit: VW Pics / Universal Images Group / Getty Images- The sanction does not affect historically Black Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, multicultural Greek life organizations, and professional fraternities.
- The sanction affects at least 20 fraternities and 16 sororities, according to The Diamondback, the university’s independent student newspaper.
- Affected fraternities and sororities cannot contact new and prospective members or host events on or off campus where alcohol is present.
The University of Maryland (UMD) is investigating its Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA) fraternities and sororities over “allegations of misconduct” and safety concerns. It has canceled all new member and alcohol-related activities.
According to The Baltimore Banner, UMD sent a letter to IFC and PHA fraternities and sororities on March 1 to stop all new member and prospective member activities and indefinitely pause chapters from hosting events on or off campus where alcohol is present.
Although the UMD letter didn’t specify that it was investigating, it advised the IFC and PHA organizations to review the school’s code of student conduct and its hazing policy.
Hazing is “committing acts against an individual or forcing an individual into committing an act that creates a risk for harm in order for the individual to be initiated into or affiliated with an organization,” according to a study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
The sanction does not affect historically Black Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, multicultural Greek life organizations, and professional fraternities.
“The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the Office of Student Conduct and the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life have reason to believe that multiple chapters within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (PHA) have been conducting activities that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the university community,” the letter reads.
The notice prohibits IFC and PHA fraternities and sororities from contacting new and prospective members:
- In person
- Over the phone
- By mail
- Via social media
- By any electronic communication
- Through any third-party communication
The pause will continue through UMD’s “thorough investigation” of these sororities and fraternities.
The Diamondback, UMD’s independent student newspaper, reported the cease and desist on March 2, affecting at least 20 fraternities and 16 sororities.
“Our goal is to have students honestly and openly share their experiences with our office so that we can uphold the mission, values, and expectations of the university community,” a letter to new members reads, according to The Diamondback.
“Any attempts to deceive university officials, falsify information, or retaliate against individuals who share information will be subject to disciplinary action.”
Nationwide Push to Prevent Hazing
BestColleges previously reported as many as 105 college students since 2000 have died from hazing-related activities nationwide. Seventy-six percent of them were associated with fraternities.
Last month, a New Jersey bill was introduced to prevent anyone convicted of hazing or aggravated hazing from receiving state financial aid.
There is no national anti-hazing law, leaving states like New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, and Georgia to create strong anti-hazing laws to prevent harm.
However, last November, Congress introduced the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would require colleges and universities to publicly report hazing.
According to a 2008 national study of hazing presented by two professors, over half of college students in clubs, teams, and organizations experienced hazing, and 95% of cases went unreported.
“Unfortunately, hazing is a dangerous — and at times deadly — reality, and we must work to end it,” Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said in a joint statement with Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.
“Our bipartisan legislation will improve hazing prevention efforts on college campuses as well as reporting of hazing incidents to make sure we have the information we need to stop this abuse and keep students safe.”