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OU Suspends 15 Fraternities After More Allegations of Hazing Arise
By: WOUB News Team
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ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University has suspended all Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities on the Athens campus in light of hazing allegations involving multiple organizations.
Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones made the announcement Thursday in a letter addressed to members of the IFC.
“Earlier this week, we received allegations that two IFC chapters were hazing new members and those chapters were placed on a cease and desist from Community Standards and Student Responsibility (CSSR),” she wrote. “Yesterday, we received reports of hazing that encompassed five more chapters. Those chapters will be receiving their notice of investigation and cease and desist letters from CSSR within the next few days.”
The suspension prevents the fraternities “from holding new member events, council or chapter meetings, chapter events such as socials, philanthropy, retreats, intramurals, and organized participation in Homecoming.”
“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,” Hall-Jones wrote. “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.”
Anyone who believes they have been subject to or have witnessed hazing has been asked by OU to report it here.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it comes in.