Ohio University announced Friday that all fraternities have been indefinitely suspended following allegations of widespread hazing through the Greek system on campus.
All 15 fraternities at the public research university in Athens, Ohio, have been suspended following accusations that at least seven of those organizations were hazing new members.
"It is deeply troubling that seven of our Interfraternity Council (IFC) chapters have been or will be under investigation this semester for possible violations of the University’s Student Code of Conduct," Jenny Hall-Jones, the senior associate vice president and dean of students wrote in a letter announcing the suspensions. "These troubling allegations, which will be thoroughly investigated, indicate a potentially escalating systemic culture within our IFC organizations, and Ohio University will not put at risk the health and safety of our students."
The decision means all fraternities will be immediately suspended and prevented from engaging in chapter events, meetings, and activities "until further notice."
"The swift action being taken in light of the allegations that have surfaced affirms Ohio University’s commitment to the health and safety of our students," the university wrote in its release adding that any students who had witnessed or been subjected to hazing by the organizations should report it immediately.
Hall-Jones wrote that the fraternities were being suspended so "the IFC community can pause to reflect and create actionable strategies for the future."
“To ensure the future of fraternity life on our campus, innovative practices will need to redefine our Greek community so that it positively contributes to the full well-being of students,” Hall-Jones wrote. "Our expectation is that each chapter will develop a plan and implementation timeline to ensure that the culture of their organization is aligned with the stated values of our Sorority and Fraternity community, responsibilities outlined in the University’s Student Code of Conduct and expectations of their respective inter/national organization."
The suspension comes several months after the Sigma Pi fraternity was expelled from the university following the death of Collin Wiant, an 18-year-old freshman after he was allegedly given nitrous oxide canisters by his fraternity brothers, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the freshman's parents.
The fraternity denied the accusations in the lawsuit, claiming that Wiant wasn't pledging the fraternity at the time of his death.
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