The University of Maryland College Park recently lifted a suspension on most fraternities and sororities, as well as the ban on their social activities involving alcohol and new recruitment. The decision came as the school faced a lawsuit over the suspension and as many students left for Spring Break. While the university has not detailed specific allegations, five chapters remain under investigation for involvement in hazing or other incidents that threatened the health and safety of the campus community.
Fraternities have accused the university of violating students’ rights, including illegally searching phones of students and conducting interviews without allowing legal representation. A coalition of fraternities, Fraternity Forward, has pushed back against the suspension, emphasizing the lack of specific allegations. The lifting of the ban has resulted in the cancellation of a scheduled court hearing in federal court.
In response to the allegations, the University of Maryland announced several measures aimed at improving safety and well-being within the Greek life community, including the establishment of a working group to assess improvements, a review of training programs, expanded reporting mechanisms, a review of the Code of Student Conduct, and the development of more comprehensive educational opportunities regarding alcohol and drug use. The school’s president has also been subpoenaed in the case and is being represented by the Maryland Attorney General’s office.
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