COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland has ordered fraternities and sororities on campus to suspend social and recruitment activities after the school received several reports of dangerous activities.
The letter was sent by the university to fraternities and sororities, stating that they believe that “multiple sections of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Council (PHA) have engaged in activities that have threatened the safety and well-being members of the university community. “
The suspension applies to all organizations affiliated with the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council on the College Park campus, which represent 21 fraternities and 16 sororities, respectively.
“You have been informed that further allegations of misconduct could result in the cessation and abandonment of operations of one or more councils,” the letter continues.
The letter states the suspension will be in effect indefinitely while an investigation takes place. According to the letter, fraternities and sororities have no contact with new or prospective members, and cannot host events where alcohol is present.
“The social moratorium prohibits the chapter from hosting events, on or off campus, where alcohol is present,” the letter states.
The letter also states that current members of fraternities and sororities are not permitted to contact a new member or potential new member.
“This directive means that each current member of the organization should not contact a new or potential new member in person, by telephone, by postal mail, by any electronic means (including social media) or by communication with a third party,” the letter states. .
Once the university begins an investigation, it will notify the organizations of its decision.
“Failure to comply with this cease and desist directive may result in further collective or individual sanctions through the Office of Student Conduct,” the letter states. “We expect and appreciate your full compliance with this request and look forward to resolving this matter.
The action in Maryland comes just days after the University of Virginia suspended its Kappa Sigma chapter following an alleged hazing incident on February 21. In addition to Kappa Sigma’s 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 current situation.
Newselectrical outlets reported that Virginia’s Kappa Sigma chapter was suspended after a man who had been drinking heavily fell down a flight of stairs and hit his head, leading to his hospitalization.
In Virginia, the 2021 death of Virginia Commonwealth University student Adam Oakes after a fraternity hazing incident led to the passage of anti-hazing legislation and a settlement of nearly $1 million from the university to Oakes’ family.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
