Leukemia Patient an Unintended Consequence of Hazing Investigation
By: Shane Bradshaw
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Phi Kappa Psi is one of nine fraternities at Ohio University forced to suspend all fraternity business including chapter meetings, social events and philanthropy events while being investigated for hazing violations.
But those restrictions are hurting a cancer patient hundreds of miles away from Athens.
The initial reactions of members of Phi Kappa Psi were frustration, anger and disappointment when they said they were ordered to stop hosting philanthropy events. The fraternity had been raising money for member Matt Campbell who was unable return to school after being diagnosed with Acute Leukemia this summer. The order from the university meant they have not raised any money for Campbell since Oct. 7.
Although administrative investigations are wrapping up, members of Phi Psi say they still feel hopeless. They have canceled future fundraising events and don’t know when they will resume.
“One thing I really noticed about this is a lot of stuff kind of just stopped,” said Adam Gilles, member of Phi Kappa Psi and close friend of Matt Campbell.
“I feel like once we got put on cease and desist it just shut everything down, which really sucks because we haven’t been able to do anything for him since then.”
Despite the suspension, the fraternity did not give up. They asked the Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life for permission to host an event to raise money for Campbell. They were denied because it qualifies as a philanthropy event.
Still Phi Kappa Psi members wear “Campbells Cause” wrist bands to raise awareness of his plight and a banner hangs on the chapter house reading “Soup Strong,” a reference to Matt’s nickname.
Campbell’s friends say they simply miss him and wish they could help.
“I really hope that there’s a chance he can come back in the spring or maybe just come visit,” said Gilles.
Campbell has completed four weeks of treatment and is now preparing to complete an additional eight weeks of treatment.