Sorority Sues UMD Over Suspension Of Greek Life Activities: Report

COLLEGE PARK, MD — A sorority at the University of Maryland is suing the college over its suspension of Greek life activities on campus, claiming school officials forced students to undergo interrogations and disciplined them as part of their investigation, according to a report.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court by the Gamma Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity and six unnamed members, the Baltimore Banner reported. The lawsuit is asking a judge to stop UMD administrators from "viewpoint discrimination" against fraternities and sororities.

The lawsuit is the latest development following UMD's controversial March 1 decision to suspend all new member and social events held by fraternities and sororities at the university while school officials investigated claims that groups were conducting activities that threatened the safety and well-being of students.

The suspension was issued by James McShay, assistant vice president for student affairs and interim director of fraternity and sorority life, and James Bond, director of student conduct.

The suspension was announced in a letter sent to the presidents of the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, which represents 21 fraternities and 16 sororities.

"As stated during the emergency meeting of all yesterday, you were notified that further allegations of misconduct may result in a cease and desist of activities for one or multiple councils. Despite that warning, additional incidents regarding fraternity and sorority organizations were reported today (Friday)," the letter stated.

It continued, "Therefore, effective immediately, all IFC and PHA new member program activities are suspended indefinitely, pending the results of a thorough investigation. Additionally, all IFC and PHA organizations are on social moratorium indefinitely. Social moratorium prohibits the chapter from hosting any events, on or off-campus, where alcohol is present."

According to legal filings, the school received several anonymous reports of hazing among Greek organizations between Feb. 20-29.

In one complaint, court documents obtained by WUSA9 stated the victims reported "being burned with cigarettes and torches, having to lay on nails and being forced to consume things like live fish, chewing tobacco and urine, in addition to being spat on."

Another report stated that a student was forced to stand in the cold and later was treated at the University Health Center for suspected hypothermia.

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University officials lifted the complete ban two weeks later on all but five fraternities and several individual members.

A university spokesperson confirmed to The Washington Post that Kappa Alpha, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Sigma Kappa, Sigma Nu and Zeta Beta Tau remain under investigation.

“The assessment revealed areas of ongoing concern within chapters that we believe necessitate additional university actions, including establishing new reporting mechanisms for hazing,” the school said in a statement.