Ohio State suspends all 37 IFC fraternities on campus

Ohio State University has suspended all social, recruitment and new member activities for its IFC fraternities, effective immediately.

In a letter to Interfraternity Council presidents on Thursday, OSU senior director of sorority and fraternity life Ryan Lovell suspended activities until further notice. The “proactive step” was taken so that the interfraternity council community can take “a pause to reflect.”

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There are 11 fraternity chapters under investigation this semester for possible violations of the Ohio State code of student conduct, which Lovell called “deeply troubling.”

“This is an unacceptably high number, and the university will not tolerate behavior that puts the health and safety of students at risk,” Lovell said.

The university will still allow fraternities to conduct “essential activities” which could include chapter meetings but any social events are not permitted, according to the letter. The letter specifically states that activities that include alcohol are not considered essential.

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While activities are suspended, IFC fraternities are expected to develop plans and implementation timelines to create a culture that is in line with Ohio State’s Greek community values, according to the letter. The directive does not include sororities or multicultural Greek life organizations.

“To be direct, we expect the Interfraternity Council community to join together and become a full partner in creating a culture that truly reflects the values of the Ohio State Greek community. We need your action in making clear that misguided and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated,” the letter reads.

Ohio State’s action comes just weeks after Florida State University suspended its 55 fraternities and sororities after a student died from alcohol-related causes.

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