Most fraternities at the University of Arizona are returning to normal operations after the university lifted a blanket suspension on activities.
Due to an increase in reported misconduct, all fraternities within UA's Interfraternity Council were barred from hosting and participating in events
until chapter advisers met with the dean of students. Since then, 16 fraternities have been returned to good standing.The five fraternities that remain on interim suspension are being investigated for alleged misconduct, ranging from reports that pledges were forced to eat live goldfish to hazing and assault. Some allegations have been referred for criminal investigation.
All fraternity advisers will be required to continue to meet with the university. If
they fail to attend, their fraternities will be removed from good standing, according to UA spokesperson Nick Prevenas.
All sororities at UA and fraternities withinthe United Sorority & Fraternity Council, which represents identity-based sororities and fraternities, were not impacted by the activities ban and are not required to meet with school leadership. The Interfraternity Council represents 21 fraternities.
The suspensions came amid a national reckoning over Greek life organizations in response to an alleged sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024. Chrissy Lieberman, the UA dean of students, in an Oct. 5 letter to the fraternities hinted at the rising concern over Greek life's place on college campuses.
"As you know, the value of the Greek experience is under scrutiny nationwide," Lieberman wrote. "It is time for the University of Arizona Greek community to step up and set an example for good."
If reported misconduct is corroborated by university investigators, the university can place a fraternity on probation or, in more severe cases, revoke official university recognition.
Helen Rummel covers state politics and higher education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @helenrummel.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Most UA fraternities return to good standing, 5 investigations remain
