University Provides Update on Student Organizations Under Administrative Review
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.
The following student organizations remain under a Cease and Desist:
Beta Theta Pi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Chi, Men's Rugby, and the 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, and Chi Omega
Restrictions have been lifted conditionally for these student organizations:
Delta Upsilon, and Sigma Phi Epsilon
All restrictions have been lifted for these student organizations:
Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, and Delta Tau Delta
For an update on the current status of student organizations that have been involved in our process, visit https://www.ohio.edu/student-org-update.
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Contact: Carly Leatherwood, senior director of communications services, at 740-597-1940 or leatherc@ohio.edu. Visit OHIO's official media page for the latest University news and updates, or follow us on Twitter @ohioumedia.
About Ohio University
Ohio University strives to be the best student-centered, transformative learning community in America, where students realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders. OHIO is committed to fostering, embracing, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Our Athens Campus offers students a residential learning experience in one of the nation’s most picturesque academic settings. Additional campuses and centers serve students across the state, and online programs further advance the University’s commitment to providing educational access and opportunity. Visit www.ohio.edu for more information.