During the last month, the University of Oregon has received student allegations of unknowingly intaking substances at events hosted by Greek life organizations that led to incapacitation and medical care.
In a statement posted on Thursday, Feb. 22, UO Fraternity and Sorority Life stated that the suspension of events with alcohol was a preventative measure, as investigations into the allegations are taking place.
Two fraternities, Delta Sigma Phi and Phi Delta Theta are on interim suspension. Delta Sigma Phi was placed on interim suspension Jan. 26 and Phi Delta Theta was temporarily suspended on Feb. 15.
The interim suspensions prohibit both fraternities from participating in all organization activities and “will be denied access to all University activities and privileges for which the organization might otherwise be eligible,” according to the UO’s Fraternity and Sorority Life website.
Emergency suspensions of organizations are implemented when necessary to “secure the health or safety of any persons and there is an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code,” the website said.
In addition to investigating the allegations and suspending social gatherings, the statement said that Greek life organizations will receive education on sexual violence and substance misuse prevention. This support will come from the UO Police Department, the Office of the Dean of Students, Prevention Services and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
All fraternity social events that include alcohol will be temporarily suspended until April 15, according to a University of Oregon Interfraternity Council statement published Wednesday, Feb. 21. The Council made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20, where 15 out of 16 presidents and voting representatives of the Council chapters voted to approve the suspension “effective immediately.”
The statement said social gatherings and activities will resume only when the council and its members are “confident that we can do so safely and responsibly.”
“The University of Oregon Interfraternity Council recognizes recent safety concerns related to events hosted by its member chapters,” the statement said. The specific safety concerns were not named in the statement.
While the suspension is in place, member chapters agreed upon a list of action items for all member fraternities to accomplish before April 15. The action items include developing new standards for sober monitor training, alcohol use presentations for new members and overall a new standard for prioritizing safety in events.
The IFC represents 16 fraternities officially recognized by the University of Oregon. According to the IFC website, all fraternities affiliated with the council “receive advising for performance related to University policies and standards,” such as the Student Code of Conduct.
The IFC agreed that if any member chapters violate the alcohol suspension, they will be referred to UO’s Student Conduct and Community Standards Office or their national headquarters.
Out of the 16 total chapters represented in the council, 15 were present for the Tuesday meeting when the voting took place. The council voted in favor of suspension without a given mandate from university officials or fraternity and sorority life administrators.
“The health and wellbeing of the University of Oregon’s Fraternity and Sorority Life community and the broader university community is our top priority,” the statement said.
[Editor’s note: A portion of this article’s headline has been updated to “unknowingly ingesting substances” and placed in quotes to reflect that it is language used in the UO Fraternity and Sorority Life statement, not the Daily Emerald’s description of what occurred. As more details become apparent, the Emerald will update this story with specific language regarding the alleged incidents at the two fraternities.]
