The University of Arizona has temporarily suspended fraternity activities after a series of misconduct allegations, as Greek life faces renewed scrutiny on college campuses nationwide.
The university suspended six fraternities and paused activities for nearly all other chapters following a meeting with Greek chapter leaders, citing multiple investigations into alleged misconduct.
“The President made clear that the behaviors reported last semester were unacceptable. He made it clear that the university will not tolerate further violations that put our students in harm’s way,” Dean of Students Chrissy Lieberman wrote in a letter to students.
“At this meeting, university leadership told chapter leaders to step up and be accountable for the men in their chapters, work with their headquarters to review their members, and stop behaviors they know violate the code of conduct or the law,” she added. “It was made clear that if the chapters did not meet this expectation, the university would be forced to act.”
The university said the allegations under investigation include physical assault, drugs and alcohol, hazing, and creating unsafe environments for students. Some of the cases have also been referred for criminal investigation, Lieberman wrote.
The university’s action comes as fraternity and sorority organizations face heightened national criticism following high-profile allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University.
On Sept. 16, a former student identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit alleging seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted her in 2024 at their fraternity house.
The allegations have drawn national attention and prompted New York officials to intervene. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) transferred oversight of the criminal investigation to state Attorney General Letitia James.
Cornell has faced criticism over its handling of the allegations, with the case becoming part of a broader debate over whether universities are doing enough to protect students in fraternity houses and hold chapters accountable for misconduct.
The University of Arizona acknowledged that Greek life is facing similar criticism nationwide.
A TIMELINE OF JANE DOE’S ALLEGATIONS OF CORNELL GANG RAPE
“As you know, the value of the Greek experience is under scrutiny nationwide,” the university spokesperson said. “It is time for the University of Arizona Greek community to step up and set an example for good. It is time to have difficult conversations with each other and the members of the community.”
One Arizona fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, is also accused of violating the university’s Student Code of Conduct following a September incident in which members allegedly were forced to consume large amounts of alcohol and swallow live goldfish.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
