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After alleged hazing incidents, Troy University in Alabama has suspended all new member activities at fraternities on campus. In a letter, Dean of Student Services, Herbert Reeves said, "Due to the hazing and risk management issues that Troy University has experienced, all new member activities shall cease pending a meeting and policy review with all members of each organization."

This past September, the Troy University chapter of Sigma Chi was placed on suspension following allegations of hazing. The fraternity removed seven members from its national roles due to their alleged involvement in the hazing activities, which occurred off-campus.

"I'd rather be having this conversation than talking about a hazing incident gone bad where we've dealt with the death of a student as has happened across the nation in the past few years," Reeves said, according to the Troy Messenger.

In a press conference, Reeves said the hazing was brought to the attention of officials by a parent of one of the victims. In response, Sigma Chi members have been doing community service and taking part in education classes. At the end of the semester, the chapter will be reevaluated.

A second fraternity has since been suspended over similar allegations made through a nationwide hazing hotline, according to Alabama Public Radio. Claims against Delta Kappa Epsilon include alcohol, excessive exercise and possible verbal abuse.

The letter from Reeves sent to all North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) chapters at Troy University said, "These meetings will include information about the new member process and a review of hazing policies within the fraternity system."

Adhering to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the school has not released details about the alleged incidents. But Alabama state law defines hazing as reckless or intentional endangerment of the mental or physical health of any student.

The law includes "striking, beating, bruising, or maiming; or seriously offering, threatening, or attempting to strike, beat, bruise, or maim, or to do or seriously offer, threaten, or attempt to do physical violence to any student of any such educational institution ..." in its definition.

Before their suspension, Sigma Chi had partnered with Alpha Delta Pi and the Max Gruver Foundation for a campaign called "Stop the Hazing."

Foundation namesake Gruver died while pledging a Louisiana State University fraternity after a hazing ritual called Bible Study. According to KPLC, pledges were asked trivia questions about their fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. If they answered incorrectly, they were forced to consume hard liquor.

Autopsy results showed Gruver's blood level to more than six times the legal limit. THC was also found in his system.

Matthew Naquin was found guilty this past July of negligent homicide in Gruver's death. He faces five years in prison.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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