Pitt fraternities, sororities on social probation; one fraternity suspended

PITTSBURGH — Fraternities and sororities at the University of Pittsburgh are on modified social probation following what the university calls a “serious alcohol incident.”

Officials with the University of Pittsburgh told Channel 11 the university is investigating an alcohol-related incident that took place at a Sigma Chi event held off campus.

The incident happened during recruitment activities, which are expected to be free of alcohol, officials said.

A spokesperson for the university stated the following:

"The alcohol-related incident in which a student was hospitalized on Jan. 18 was concerning and led the dean of students to take immediate corrective action and place the fraternity allegedly involved under a suspension pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. The situation will be reviewed by our Office of Student Conduct following procedures outlined in our Student Code of Conduct. The dean also placed all fraternities and sororities on modified social probation. This probation calls for the fraternity and sorority community to create an action plan for creating change in social activities. Over the next few weeks, our fraternity and sorority leaders will work together with the University, along with the support of national headquarters, to develop an action plan to ensure that our fraternity and sorority culture at Pitt supports student wellness and safety as well as the other ideals of our fraternity and sorority organizations."

A Pitt student was hospitalized one week ago after drinking too much alcohol.

"Surprised to hear that it happened here, especially since it's not even pledge time,” said Drew Bennett, a senior Pitt student.

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In addition to suspending the fraternity, the university has put all Greek life on modified social probation, meaning that the fraternity can't sponsor or participate in any social activities involving alcohol.

The spokesperson also released the following statement:

"We cannot comment on a student's medical condition. We can confirm the student's family was notified. The fraternity and sorority system has been placed on modified social probation, which means that fraternities and sororities may not sponsor, co-sponsor, or participate in any social activities in which alcohol is present."

School officials also told Channel 11 that fraternities and sororities are working with them to assess the culture related to alcohol use and to develop an action plan to prevent future incidents.

In 2017, a Penn State fraternity pledge, Timothy Piazza, was given at least 18 drinks in less than 90 minutes during a pledge event.

He later died after tumbling down a staircase, and hours passed before anyone called for an ambulance.

In a statement sent to Channel 11, University of Pittsburgh Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner said:

"The gravity of this incident demands that we reflect on who we are as a Greek system and as a University community in terms of alcohol use. Fraternities and sororities play an important role in the lives of our students and University culture and we are proud of our students who are stepping up to address this issue. We are certain that the fraternity and sorority community at Pitt can help us build a safer and healthier environment for everyone to participate in."

A campus spokesperson couldn't comment on the student’s condition but said the incident is being reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct.

The student's friends, who were students, took the student to the hospital.

Cox Media Group