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Ohio University investigating hazing allegations against 3 sororities, professional fraternity

Ohio University says it has issued a cease and desist order to three sororities governed by the Women’s Panhellenic Association and one professional fraternity after it received reported allegations of hazing concerning the organizations.
Credit: WBNS / Drone 10
Ohio University (WBNS / Drone 10)

ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University says it has issued a cease and desist order to three sororities governed by the Women’s Panhellenic Association and one professional fraternity after it received reported allegations of hazing concerning the organizations.

Those groups are Delta Zeta's Omicron Gamma chapter, Chi Omega's Tau Alpha chapter, Pi Beta Phi's Ohio Alpha chapter and Phi Chi Theta. The university says the chapters also received notification of an administrative investigation.

The university says the details of these allegations will not be disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigatory process and also says so far, the Ohio University Police Department found none of the initial allegations have risen above “actionable criminal activity.”

“We take every allegation of hazing very seriously. At this time, we do not have reason to believe there is a systemic culture issue within the Women’s Panhellenic Association organizations nor within our professional fraternal organizations. However, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the University reserves the right to take additional action as needed at any time,” the university said in a statement.

Last week, the university announced that it suspended all 15 Interfraternity Council organizations on its Athens campus amid concerns over hazing allegations.

A statement Thursday said the decision came about due to the growing concern "elevated by allegations of hazing against seven IFC chapters."

One of the fraternities on campus, Sigma Pi, was expelled in the spring for hazing and other violations.

Ohio University says anyone who has been subjected to or witnessed hazing can report it here.

10TV has reached out to the Women's Panhellenic Council at Ohio University, the sororities, and the fraternity for comment.

Pi Beta Phi released the following statement:

Late afternoon Wednesday, October 9, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women was made aware by Ohio University that all chapter activities were to cease until further notice. The university has begun an investigation into violations of the university’s student code of conduct. At this time, the university has not provided information regarding allegations against the chapter or its members to Pi Beta Phi, nor has Pi Beta Phi Fraternity received any reports of misconduct, including violations of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women’s clear anti-hazing policy.
The safety and wellbeing of Pi Beta Phi members is a top priority for the Fraternity. As always, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity seeks to partner with the university to keep members safe and rightfully adjudicate any wrongdoing. The chapter is expected to comply with the university investigation.

Editor's note: The initial publication of this story contained an omission of the word 'none' when referring to the initial allegations that have risen above “actionable criminal activity.” The text has been edited to correctly state that none of the initial allegations have risen above “actionable criminal activity.”

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