The University of Maryland suspended social and new member events indefinitely for 21 fraternities and 16 sororities over the weekend.
A letter sent Friday to the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (PHA) cited continued reports of “activities that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the University community.”
The letter, sponsored jointly by UMD’s Office of Student Conduct and Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life, did not offer specific details about reported incidents.
“We were sort of blindsided by it,” a member of Maryland Greek Life who did not wish to be identified told MCM. “There’s rumors going around and everyone’s hearing things, but we have nothing – we have literally nothing.”
The suspension includes social moratorium, meaning that no chapter may host an event where alcohol is present, on or off campus.
Current members are also forbidden from interacting with new or prospective members in any fashion.
“There’s reports of hazing every semester so what is so different now? What are they really coming after us for?” the person said. “You get rid of Frat Row, it’s gonna be more apartments or something like that for a company to just make money off of us.”
The decision to halt social activities came less than a week after a similar situation unfolded at the University of Virginia.
Neither the IFC nor PHA have released statements regarding the suspension.
According to the letter, the University will not be making any further decisions until its investigation has concluded.
