After a seven-week shut down following allegations of rape and controversy over how cases of sexual assault are handled, the University of Virginia is reinstating Greek life on campus—but with a whole new set of rules.
Fraternities will no longer be allowed to serve pre-mixed drinks or punches at events. Beer and wine can still be consumed, but only if it is opened and served by a sober brother at the bar. Fraternities will also be responsible for hiring security officers to monitor the party entrances in cases where there are more party-goers than brothers.
UVA has also demanded that at least three fraternities members remain “sober and lucid” at each function. In addition to, one sober brother must have key access to every room in the fraternity house.
Greek organizations must agree to the new terms by January 16 in order to participate in university activities. Failure to do so could jeopardize the organizations' relationship with the university.
"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," UVA President Teresa Sullivan said in a press release.
UVA shut down Greek social life on November 21 after Rolling Stone magazine published a scathing, but now-discredited article about an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house on the Charlottesville campus in September 2012.
UVA’s Greek leadership councils acknowledged the fact a change was needed in the Greek systems and policies. Teaming up with the university, the Inter-Fraternity Council spent the last few weeks focusing on improving safety for all students and visitors at fraternity and sorority events.
"We seek to achieve a safe environment at fraternity events by addressing high-risk drinking, sexual misconduct, and unhealthy power structures. These changes are not comprehensive—nor do they claim to be. Instead, we submit these reforms as the next step in the IFC's commitment to guaranteeing a baseline of safety for fraternity members and our guests,"the IFC said in an address toward the agreement.
While the 2012 rape allegation is still being investigated by police and the university, Greek social life will resume as students return from winter break this week for the spring semester.
