All fraternities at Ohio University have been indefinitely suspended following accusations of widespread hazing, university officials announced.
The immediate suspension of the 15 fraternities at the 23,000-student public research university in Athens follows accusations of hazing at seven of those organizations, university officials said Thursday.
“The swift action being taken in light of the allegations that have surfaced affirms Ohio University’s commitment to the health and safety of our students,” according to the announcement, which suspended all chapter events, meetings and activities until further notice.
The development also comes months after Sigma Pi was expelled from the university in May for hazing following the November death of 18-year-old freshman Collin Wiant, whose parents alleged in a wrongful death lawsuit that he was plied by several of his fraternity brothers with nitrous oxide canisters — also known as “whippets” — before he died of asphyxiation.
The fraternity has denied the allegations, claiming Wiant wasn’t actually a pledge at the time of his death.
“This proactive step is being taken so that the IFC community can pause to reflect and create actionable strategies for the future,” Jenny Hall-Jones, senior associate vice president and dean of students, wrote in a letter to the fraternity presidents. “To ensure the future of fraternity life on our campus, innovative practices will need to redefine our Greek community so that it positively contributes to the full well-being of students.”
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