ATHENS, Ohio -- Sixteen fraternities and sororities that were once suspended by Ohio University for hazing allegations have now had their suspensions lifted or modified.
The university suspended all Interfraternity Council Organizations on Oct. 3, but after further investigation, many of those organizations are now free of their suspensions.
The following student organizations remain under a cease and desist order:
- Beta Theta Pi
- Lambda Chi Alpha
- Phi Kappa Psi
- Sigma Chi
- Men's Rugby
- Marching 110 (non-academic activities only)
The University has modified restrictions on these student organizations:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Alpha Kappa Psi
- ACACIA
- Phi Chi Theta
- Alpha Epsilon Pi
- Theta Chi
- Pi Beta Phi
- Delta Zeta
- Chi Omega
Restrictions have been lifted conditionally for these student organizations:
- Delta Upsilon
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
All restrictions have been lifted for these student organizations:
- Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Delta Theta - Pi Kappa Alpha
- Phi Kappa Tau
- Delta Tau Delta
The university says the investigation is ongoing, which means sanctions could still be lifted, or added based on any new evidence that has been found.
No criminal charges have been filed in any of the cases.
Here is the full statement from Ohio University:
Ohio University’s Office for Community Standards and Student Responsibility has been working diligently to expedite the administrative investigation process for student organizations that have been accused of hazing over the past three weeks. Today, we have an update regarding our process.
Community Standards and Student Responsibility has concluded initial meetings with leadership from most of the student organizations in question, and University leadership has deliberated heavily in consideration of information available to us at this point in time. With respect to organizational commitment to improvement, and with regard to the nature of some of the reported allegations, Ohio University has decided to modify restrictions placed on several student organizations at this time as we continue to work together to develop a plan that demonstrates a commitment to healthy and constructive behavior.
Additionally, the Office for Sorority and Fraternity Life has lifted the blanket suspension on Interfraternity Council Organizations that were not operating under a Cease and Desist order by Community Standards and Student Responsibility.
The University is confident that, with the information we have been able to gather since the initial allegations were reported, our decision to modify restrictions on some of the student organizations with low-level allegations is to the direct benefit of our students. This process is ongoing, and as more or different information comes forward, the University may decide to lift or impose additional restrictions as applicable. It is important to note that all remaining reports of hazing are just allegations at this time. If they are not substantiated through an investigation, organizations will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Ohio University is committed to a safe and respectful campus environment that aligns with our institutional values of citizenship, civility, character, community, and commitment. We have an intrinsic obligation to provide an atmosphere on campus that promotes social and ethical responsibility and we take a thoughtful but active approach when faced with issues that impact student safety and wellbeing.
These past few weeks have been a testament to this commitment with the advent of hazing allegations that surfaced against several student organizations within a few short days earlier this fall semester. Our hazing policy defines hazing broadly and on a continuum of concerning behavior. Because hazing is power-based and many times the people experiencing hazing want to continue to belong to their organization, reporting is often anonymous. Regardless of the manner in which the information is reported, we review each and every allegation and make independent decisions regarding each one.
Once reports were made to Student Affairs, the University took swift action to force a pause amongst student organizations and groups where hazing was alleged to have occurred. We did so in order to reinforce a focus on our students’ safety to provide the Division of Student Affairs with the ability to review all the allegations more thoroughly, to communicate with each organization, and to allow for due process as defined within our Student Code of Conduct and through our administrative investigation process.
