Fraternity, sorority events banned at Washington State University

All fraternity and sorority events at Washington State University are banned as of 5 p.m. Tuesday night, regardless of whether there is alcohol, according to a letter sent Monday by the school’s Interfraternity Council.

“Throughout the fall semester, there has been a concerning rise in the number of assaults, rapes, falls, and hospitalizations due to the overuse of alcohol and/or drugs by Greek members in the community,” the letter to students and administration said.

“The reoccurrence of these incidents have been associated with the irresponsibility of alcohol and drug consumption by persons in our chapters. It is necessary to understand that although incidents like these may hurt the image of the individual chapter, they also greatly degrade the perception and credibility of Greek Life at Washington State University.

A“With the current negative reputation our community possesses, it is needless to say that the future of Greek Life at this institution is in jeopardy.”

It specifies that the ban on social events includes fraternity tailgating at football games, 21 runs, date dashes,  and pre functions. The letter does not give specifics about the number of assaults, rapes, falls or hospitalizations.

The Apple Cup is being played in Pullman on Friday, November 25. WSU fraternities and sororities have previously hosted the University of Washington chapters of their house during Apple Cup weekend. The moratorium is expected to significantly change Apple Cup plans.

The letter explains that all fraternity and sorority events are banned for the remainder of the semester, which ends in December.

“If the instance arises in which a chapter violates the moratorium, the Interfraternity Council or the Panhellenic Council will move to revoke the chapter’s recognition on campus,” the letter reads.

Follow this link to read the full Interfraternity Council letter regarding fraternities and sororities at Washington State University.

“Following the moratorium, in the spring semester of 2017, all chapters will be exonerated from the moratorium and will be expected to complete a comprehensive checklist,” the letter reads.

The checklist is expected at the start of the spring semester and will be created in coordination with the Interfraternity Council, chapter delegates and council officials.

“Both councils plan to work with each individual chapter and the Greek Community as a whole to formulate a plan to address the situation through new policies, educational efforts and stronger enforcement of policies,” the letter reads.

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