The University of Georgia has put pledging on hold for its Sigma Chi fraternity due to an ongoing investigation into allegations of off-campus hazing.
The university’s decision follows a third-party complaint, leading to a review of the fraternity’s conduct. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has joined in this investigation, corroborating the university’s efforts to uncover the truth.
The university received an email complaint from a professional based in Athens on August 12th. The complaint referred to ‘gross student misconduct and abuse,’ specifically pointing to ‘hazing by male Greek Life leaders.’ It was alleged that freshmen were subjected to physical assault and forced to consume large amounts of alcohol beyond their capacity during a period from August 9th to August 10th.
The university has allowed one of the two fraternities mentioned in the complaint to resume activities following a thorough review. However, the investigation into Sigma Chi continues, with all potential new member activities currently on hold.
University spokesperson, Rod Guajardo, stated, “Pausing all potential new member activity for an individual organization while a review is conducted is standard operating procedure.”
The complaint was handed over to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department because the fraternity house, where the alleged hazing took place, is located off-campus. A spokesperson for the department confirmed it is investigating the incident, but at this time, no further details are available.
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Both hazing and forced consumption of alcohol are against federal law. Georgia also has an anti-hazing law that categorizes hazing as a misdemeanor of a high or aggravated nature, with a potential punishment of up to one year in jail.
The University of Georgia explicitly prohibits students and organizations from participating in, condoning, encouraging, requiring, or allowing opportunity for hazing as stated on its website. As we await further developments, it’s important to remember the gravity of these allegations and the impact they can have on the lives of the young people involved.
