Fraternity at UVA suspended after alleged hazing incident

Odyssey Fields
·2 min read

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — A fraternity at the University of Virginia (UVA) is now suspended after a student was knocked unconscious during an alleged hazing incident.

Details remain limited; however, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) said they were notified of an incident involving a student and the Kappa Signa Fraternity on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

NewsNations reports the student was in their second year and transferred to the school. The outlet says the student was at the Kappa Sigma house when they fell backward down the staircase and hit his head knocking him unconscious.

Kenyon R. Bonner the Vice President and Chief of Student Affairs Officers at the University of Virginia (UVA) said when they were made aware of the incident, they suspended the Fraternal Organization Agreement between Kappa Sigma.

The school then launched an investigation of criminal conduct.

RELATED STORY: Sen. Kaine cosponsors ‘Stop Campus Hazing Act’ for university safety

Following these events, the fraternity has been placed on a three-week suspension for all new member activities and social events until March 20 at 11:59 p.m. The IFC says chapters must initiate their new members between March 21 and March 24.

“Our primary concern is the health and well-being of the individual involved, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to the affected individual, their family, and loved ones during this time,” said the IFC at UVA in a release.

“As both a parent and member of this community, I am deeply concerned that one of our students has been seriously injured, and I am intent on taking every step I can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our entire student body,” said Bonner.

In December of 2023, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine cosponsored the “Stop Campus Hazing Act.” The act requires colleges to file a report when incidents of hazing take place. Since 2000, there have been over 50 hazing-related deaths.

Currently, there are no national reporting requirements for colleges or Universities to report hazing incidents. The National Study of Student Hazing found that more than half of college students involved in extracurricular activities, athletic activities, and organizations experience hazing.

The condition of the student remains unknown at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

Read the full statement here.

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