Statement from March 20, 2024
In order to reach a thorough resolution as quickly as possible, the University secured the services of a consulting firm, INCompliance. The firm conducted approximately 150 interviews between Monday, March 11 and Friday, March 15, 2024. Five members from each chapter in IFC and PHA, along with a group of individuals who disaffiliated from a UMD fraternity or sorority, were invited to participate. Interviews were conducted both in-person and remotely. None of the interviews were recorded by INCompliance or the University. Moreover, at all times, students were permitted to have an advisor of their choosing, including legal counsel, join them. The majority of students chose to bring an advisor, and no advisors were turned away. Students were permitted to confer with their chosen advisors privately during the interviews. Students were not required to present or turn over evidence, including information that may be housed on personal devices (i.e. phones).
Statement from March 15, 2024
Below you will find a media statement from the University of Maryland regarding fraternity and sorority life. All communications sent during the recent investigation, including the letter sent to campus today, can be found here: https://fsl.umd.edu/ifc-pha-new-member-activities
Media Statement
Today, the University of Maryland concluded our review of allegations of hazing and harmful alcohol-related behaviors and activities related to fraternities and sororities. Effective immediately, we are lifting the temporary pause on new member and alcohol-related activities, and related no-contact orders which the University issued on March 1, 2024. Thirty-two Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA) chapters are cleared to return to normal activities.
As a result of evidence suggesting involvement in hazing or other incidents that threatened the health and safety of our campus community, the University is continuing its investigation of five chapters through the Office of Student Conduct. These chapters will continue to be subject to limited restrictions on their activities while the investigation continues. In addition, individual students will also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for potential violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
We recognize that temporarily pausing select activities has had an effect on our fraternity and sorority community, particularly new members. However, we chose a course of action that prioritized safety and prevention, with the aim of assessing the reports we had received and preventing a significant health and safety incident from occurring.
The assessment revealed areas of ongoing concern within chapters that we believe necessitate additional university actions, including establishing new reporting mechanisms for hazing, enhancing training and communication channels with fraternities and sororities, and creating a work group to build a culture of integrity and accountability.
The University has prided itself on our rich and positive tradition of fraternities and sororities for over 100 years. We remain committed to maintaining an enriching experience for fraternity and sorority life for years to come.