University of Maryland Addresses Hazing Allegations Amid Fraternity Suspension
BALTIMORE — In a recent statement, Dr. Patty Perillo, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, publicly addressed serious hazing allegations involving fraternities and sororities on the College Park campus. Suspicions surfaced of pledge students being subjected to extreme hazing practices, including beatings, burns, and alcohol poisoning, as detailed in court documents first reported by WJZ.
In response to these allegations, the university took the significant step of pausing social activities and recruitment for all Greek-letter organizations for two weeks. Perillo affirmed the necessity of this action, citing a 224% increase in counseling visits among fraternity members and a 36% rise in health center visits during January and February. "It felt like a moral imperative. The safety of our students is paramount," she said, emphasizing that the decision was made to protect student well-being in light of troubling reports.
The university’s approach has faced scrutiny. Critics, including members of the Fraternity Forward Coalition, have called for more transparency regarding specific incidents tied to the suspension. Perillo acknowledged mixed reactions from the student body, noting, "Some appreciated our actions, while others did not." Nonetheless, she insists that the pause was warranted given the seriousness and volume of the allegations.
Looking to the future, Perillo expressed a commitment to eradicating hazing from campus culture and enhancing fraternity and sorority life. "In the end, we aim to set a model for how universities should handle such allegations," she asserted.
The controversy continues to spark dialogue about the role of Greek life at the university, with some former members advocating for the abolition of these organizations altogether. The university’s response and ongoing investigation into the hazing claims will shape future governance of Greek-letter organizations on campus.
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