BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – All Greek life social activities on Indiana University have been put on hold until March 24.
This comes as the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association work to address student safety concerns.
”Obviously I’m upset but they are doing it. It’s for a reason. Whatever that reason is, we don’t really know. I’m upset, but I get it. There’s got to be a reason why they’re doing it,” said Gavin Hume, an IU Freshman and member of Phi Delta Theta.
”It’s a little scary. Hopefully we can continue this whole Greek life thing throughout all of our years here and not shut it down,” said Cormac Morrissui, an IU Freshman and member of Phi Delta Theta.
News spread fast on IU’s fraternity row Wednesday afternoon that all social events for fraternities and sororities are on hold for nearly three weeks.
Even non-Greek students were talking about it.
”It’s something no one wants to hear about and obviously you come to college hoping that’s it’s a place where everyone can just have fun and get their education and not have to deal with scary stuff like this going on,” said Mike Ryan, an IU Freshman.
The exact reason behind the pause is still unclear but the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association said it’s over health and safety concerns. Their full statement can be viewed below:
“We as the IFC and Panhellenic Councils have made the choice to place a temporary pause on social events until March 24, 2025 to address reports of health and safety concerns within the community. This move reflects our community’s willingness to take accountability. The safety of our members and guests is our utmost concern, and we will be taking appropriate action to ensure chapter compliance with updated risk management policies from both councils, as well as a detailed action plan going forward.”
FOX59/CBS4 spoke to numerous fraternity members, including sophomore James Gilbert who serves as the social chair for Theta Chi.
He and several other students told us recently things have been getting out of hand at parties.
“Drug use is not that rampant, but honestly, it’s becoming more rampant in Greek life and I think that’s the issue, is when it becomes to the point where people are starting to notice it and that’s kind of the reason everything is getting shut down,” said Gilbert.
Beta Sigma Psi was placed on cease and desist by IU on Friday.
“Suspension of all organization activities by IU effective February 28, 2025 until further notice (Alcohol, Endangering Others),” the university said.
IU Police told FOX59/CBS4 that on March 1, a student reported their drink had been tampered with at a Beta Sigma Psi party on Feb. 27.
On March 4, two additional students reported that they believed their drinks were tampered with at the same Beta Sigma Psi party, but did not wish to file a police report.
IU police also investigated two aggravated battery incidents at Beta Theta Pi.
According to police, on March 1, officers responded to Beta Theta Pi for a reported assault. The individual who contacted IUPD dispatch claimed that multiple drinks had been tampered with at the party.
When officers arrived, they found no evidence indicating that anyone needed their assistance. It was determined later that day that the individual who reported the incident did not witness any tampering but had suspected it due to receiving statements from a few individuals. This case has been referred to university officials to review.
It’s unclear if these incidents are what spurred the pause on Greek activity.
But tonight, students tell us they are thankful the issue is being looked into and hope it doesn’t happen again.
“People can make harmful actions. And it makes me really upset and you need to understand your surroundings,” said Gilbert. “People really need to take into consideration who you’re hanging out with and what you’re doing and who you spend your free time with because the most important thing is who you surround yourself with is who you’re going to become.”
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