COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland has ordered fraternities and sororities on campus to suspend social and recruitment activities after the school received multiple reports of unsafe activities.
A letter sent Friday from university officials to fraternity and sorority presidents informing them of the suspension did not describe the alleged misconduct as hazing but instead referred to “activities that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the University community.”
The suspension applies to all organizations affiliated with the College Park campus’ Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, which represent 21 fraternities and 16 sororities, respectively.
The letter says the suspension will be in place indefinitely while an investigation takes place. Fraternities and sororities are barred from any contact with new or prospective members, and barred from hosting any events where alcohol is present, according to the letter.
The action at Maryland comes just days after the University of Virginia suspended its Kappa Sigma chapter after an alleged hazing incident Feb. 21. In addition to the Kappa Sigma suspension, the university’s Interfraternity Council imposed a three-week suspension on all of its chapters “as a commitment to anti-hazing efforts and out of respect for the ongoing situation.”
Newsoutlets reported the Kappa Sigma chapter at Virginia was suspended after a pledge who had been drinking heavily fell down a staircase and hit his head, leading to his hospitalization.
In Virginia, the 2021 death of a Virginia Commonwealth University student, Adam Oakes, after a fraternity hazing incident resulted in passage of anti-hazing legislation and a nearly $1 million settlement payment from the university to Oakes’ family.
The University of Maryland recently made headlines when it announced the suspension of all fraternity and sorority activities on campus following an investigation into multiple allegations of misconduct. The decision was made after several incidents involving Greek organizations came to light, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students.
The investigation, which was conducted by university officials in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, uncovered a pattern of behavior that was deemed unacceptable and in violation of the university’s code of conduct. Reports of hazing, underage drinking, sexual assault, and other forms of misconduct were among the allegations that prompted the suspension.
In a statement released by the university, President Darryll J. Pines expressed his disappointment and concern over the findings of the investigation. He emphasized the university’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students and reiterated that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated.
The decision to suspend all fraternity and sorority activities was met with mixed reactions from students and alumni. While some supported the university’s actions and called for stricter regulations on Greek organizations, others expressed disappointment and frustration over the impact it would have on their social lives and sense of community.
In response to the suspension, the university has implemented a series of measures aimed at addressing the issues raised by the investigation. These include increased oversight and monitoring of Greek organizations, mandatory training on hazing prevention and risk management, and a review of the university’s policies and procedures related to student conduct.
Moving forward, the university is committed to working with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to create a safer and more inclusive campus community. President Pines has emphasized the importance of holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions and ensuring that all students feel safe and supported during their time at the University of Maryland.
As the investigation continues and the university takes steps to address the issues at hand, it is clear that the suspension of fraternities and sororities is just the beginning of a larger conversation about campus culture and student behavior. By working together and holding each other accountable, the University of Maryland can create a more positive and respectful environment for all members of its community.
