Aiexpress – The University of Maryland has taken action against certain fraternities and sororities following allegations of misconduct that posed a threat to the safety and well-being of students. A cease and desist order has been issued to address these concerns.
All Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association chapters at the university are affected by the cease and desist order, which was issued on Friday. This information was revealed in a letter obtained by the Diamondback, UMD’s student newspaper.
During an “emergency meeting” on Thursday, all fraternity and sorority groups were given a warning that any further allegations of misconduct would lead to a cease and desist. However, the university received reports of “additional incidents” involving multiple organizations on Friday.
All new member activities for the affected organizations have been suspended indefinitely, according to the letter. Additionally, the university has implemented a “social moratorium” on all IFC and PHA chapters, which prevents them from hosting events where alcohol is present.
IFC and PHA chapters are not allowed to reach out to new or prospective members.
At least 21 fraternities and 16 sororities under the IFC and PHA are impacted by the suspension. However, the university’s 13 multicultural Greek organizations and five historical Black fraternities and sororities remain unaffected, as reported by the Washington Post.
The allegations mentioned in the letter were not described in detail, but they have arisen amidst growing concerns about hazing of new pledges. A recent incident at the University of Virginia’s Inter-Fraternity Council led to the suspension of recruitment activities. This decision came after a student reportedly fell down a long flight of stairs in a fraternity chapter house during the pledging process.
The student conduct office at the University of Maryland has announced its intention to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incidents that occurred in College Park.
The letter stated that once the investigation concludes, a decision will be made regarding the status of the IFC and PHA organizations and the appropriate next steps.
