COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association at the University of Maryland have been ordered to halt social activities where alcohol is served and stop all new member program activities due to alleged misconduct.
“I was very shocked that something like this would happen," one University of Maryland student who didn't want to be idenitifed said.
Office of Student Conduct and the Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life sent a letter to Interfraternity and Panhellenic organizations on Friday. Chapters are facing allegations of misconduct "that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the University community."
During an emergency meeting of all Fraternity & Sorority Life Councils on Thursday, organizations were notified that if the school continued receiving allegations of misconduct, it would result in a cease and desist of activities.
Despite the warning, the university received additional incidents regarding fraternity and sorority organization the following day.
“You’re living life because it’s your life, you get to do what you want but when stuff happens that endangers the safety and the health of people it’s definitely, time to put a stop to everything," the student said.
As a result, all Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association new member activities are "suspended indefinitely" and chapters are not allowed to host events, on, or off-campus, with alcohol present.
“I don’t think it should have happened. It kind of makes me, makes people question whether or not the entire idea of this hazing culture for joining a social frat is something that really needs to exist in the first place,” she said.
Additionally, current members of the organization are to have "no contact" with any new or prospective new member. Current members can not contact them via in-person, phone, mail, any electronic means (including social media), or third-party communication.
According UMD's website the Interfraternity Council is comprised of 21 men's fraternities, the Panhellenic Association is made up of 16 national sororities, totaling 37 fraternities and sororities this cease and desist will affect.
Some students don't agree with how the university is responding to these allegations.
“I think it’s pretty dumb that they’re including every single fraternity and sorority with what, one mistake,” another University of Maryland student said.
Students said now there's really a sense of emptiness felt by some students as they walk around campus.
“Everyone is a bit more upset with the school," the second student said. "I feel like there was definitely a decline in student life and liveliness after.”
Students that spoke to WUSA9 were too nervous to speak on camera and to show their faces.
This was first reported by the Diamondback, the university's student newspaper.
While the university investigates the allegations, communication with chapter leadership will also be minimal. This decision was made to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Failure to follow the cease and desist will result in "disciplinary action." Once an investigation is complete, "a decision will be made regarding the status of the IFC and PHA organizations and appropriate next steps," according to the letter.
The Interfraternity Council at the University of Virginia recently ceased recruitment after allegations that a student was injured during an alleged hazing.
WUSA9 reached out to the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association but have not heard back yet.
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