The University of Maryland, College Park is taking a “reimagined approach” to Greek life following hazing allegations that led to a pause in new member activity, an investigation, legal action and, now, a new initiative.
Unveiled in a report last week, the plan aims to increase transparency and education of Greek life members through new orientations, revisions and updates to current university policy, and collaboration between each of the university’s governing counsels and UMD officials.
Students were accused of beating others with paddles, burning them with cigarettes and forcing some to eat live fish and drink urine, according to court documents. During the two-week pause, the university engaged an independent firm to interview 175 student Greek life members as part of an investigation. Based on credible evidence of hazing, the report said five fraternities — 24% of Interfraternity Council chapters at University of Maryland — faced student conduct charges.
Two lawsuits were filed by Greek life members over the university’s investigation and hold on new-member activities. Both lawsuits were thrown out in March by U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman, who in her ruling said the issues raised by fraternities and sororities were moot because the university had lifted its cease-and-desist order suspending Greek life activities over a year ago.
Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun.
