UVA Ends Fraternity Suspension After Rape Article Is Doubted

The University of Virginia lifted a fraternity suspension imposed following a now-discredited story alleged frat-house gang rape.

The suspension on social activities ended yesterday, rather than the scheduled date of Jan. 9, President Teresa Sullivan said in a statement. The college’s Greek houses also agreed to institute improved safety measures at events, she said.

Fraternity and sorority groups criticized Sullivan for punishing the Greek system at the Charlottesville campus for a story whose veracity is in doubt. Rolling Stone published the article Nov. 19, purporting to detail the gang rape of a woman named “Jackie” by seven unidentified members of the Phi Kappa Psi house. The magazine has since apologized for the story, citing “discrepancies” in the account.

“I believe the new safety measures recommended by the student leaders in the Greek community will help provide a safer environment for their members and guests,” Sullivan said in the statement.

Under the safety agreement, three sober members must be present at fraternity and sorority functions. Beer may be served only in unopened, original cans and wine only if poured by one of the sober monitors. Punches and premixed drinks are banned. The fraternities must also hire an outside security guard for events.

The university said a new police substation will be opened on campus with increased patrols, and the school will install enhanced lighting on the grounds.

Joint Effort

“Everyone was pretty optimistic that Greek life would be reinstated,” Chandler Rosenberg, a UVA student, said in an e-mail. “I don’t think the new rules are a shocking enough change to really get people talking -- I think everyone is just looking forward to the next semester.”

When instituting the suspension, Sullivan had said the “pause” would enable the Greek leadership and the university to work collaboratively on improving safety practices. The suspension only pertained to social activities, not to philanthropic or other work.

UVA’s Inter-Fraternity Council “worked around the clock for the past month and half to develop these improvements to our system,” IFC President Tommy Reid said.

Students are returning from winter break this week, and fraternities and sororities are beginning to recruit new members. Classes for the spring semester begin Jan. 12.

“It seems clear Sullivan had been working hard with the inter-fraternity president and other people,” Alison Booth, an English professor at the university, said in a telephone interview. “Lots of faculty and administrators want to see something positive come out of something awful.”