PULLMAN, Wash. – A pause on all social events involving alcohol on Washington State University’s Greek Row has been instituted through March 8, according to a joint press release from the university’s Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils.
The councils attributed the pause to “an increase in serious safety-related incidents in the community relating to falls from heights, substance misuse, and social events.”
The news came on the same day it was announced that fraternity Sigma Chi was for hazing and would lose recognition for two semesters.
According to the press release, social events involving alcohol, both registered and unregistered or where “chapter affiliation is implied” would not be permitted. Chapter meetings, philanthropy and service, new member education and programming events will not be impacted.
After March 8, social privileges are set to be reinstated on a per-chapter basis.
Chapters will be required to submit fall-from-heights mitigation plans, including a review of potential risk areas and risk reduction strategies clearly outlined including training sessions for members. Chapters must also review organization accountability thresholds, obtain and submit a Passing Fire and Life Safety Inspection Report from the Pullman Fire Department, and begin submitting “after event reports” after every social event through April 25.
Read the full press release here.
