Off-campus Frat Gets Shut Down By Austin Fire Marshal On UT Gameday

An off-campus fraternity had their party shut down by the Austin Fire Marshal on Saturday because of COVID-19 violations.

Texas Rho was cited for violating its permit and having more than 10 people at its Pearl Street frat house. It organization could be fined up tot $2,500 for the violations.

Snapchat videos from the party shows college students in burnt orange crowded inside of the home. Most people seen in the videos are not wearing masks or social distancing. Black tarps were being used to block the view of the party from the street, according to KXAN.

The party was shut down before the kickoff between the University of Texas and UTEP. City of Austin Fire Marshal Tom Vocke said Texas Rho was the only party shut down and cited, but other game-day gatherings were given warnings.

This isn't the first time Texas Rho has been in trouble. Formally called Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the frat is no longer a university recognized student organization after it was suspended in 2018 for hazing.

As of Monday, there have been 954 coronavirus cases associated with UT since March 1; 773 of those cases are students testing positive for COVID-19 while the remaining 181 are university staff members.

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