30 University of Virginia fraternities have suspended recruitment activities for the next three weeks after a pledge was violated following an alleged hazing incident.
The school’s Interfraternity Council shared a statement on Feb. 27, announcing the suspension following an alleged incident of hazing by the Kappa Sigma fraternity that occurred on Feb. 21.
UVA spokeswoman Bethanie Glover also confirmed to PEOPLE that “UVA recently suspended the university’s recognition of the Kappa Sigma fraternity while university police investigate allegations that bullying led to the injury of a student.”
In her statement, Glover said that if the allegations are found to be true, “the chapter will be subject to further suspension or termination” and “individuals involved will be subject to prosecution and University disciplinary action.”
The university first sent an immediate suspension of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Agreement, which the IFC “fully” supported.
“The university does not tolerate bullying and we act quickly to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action when they are reported,” Glover’s statement said.
Additionally, in the IFC’s announcement on Tuesday, the board shared that all 30 fraternities will be suspended from social events and personal recruitment until March 20.
University of Virginia on Friday, January 16, 2015.
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“The health and safety of our members and the wider community is our most important goal. IFC promotes anti-hazing and risk management practices in all chapters to prevent incidents,” the statement said. “This decision was made as a commitment to anti-hazing efforts and out of respect for the current situation.”
“Our primary concern is the health and well-being of the person involved, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected person, their family and loved ones during this time,” the IFC statement continued.
Kappa Sigma pledge hit his head after drinking heavily and fell backwards down the stairs, parent of student witness said The Washington Post. The student is still hospitalized, the media reports.
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The Washington Post reports that the international office of the Kappa Sigma fraternity has been notified of the injured student.
“Our hopes and prayers are with our member for a speedy recovery. While we do not know the full circumstances of this incident, any member found to have violated the Fraternity’s Code of Conduct will be held accountable,” said Leo J. Brown IV, the organization’s national vice president for external affairs, according to The Washington Post. Brown said the details of the incident are still under investigation.
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Representatives of the University of Virginia Police, the Interfraternity Council at UVA and Kappa Sigma International did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information Thursday.
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