West Virginia University Suspends Greek System After Rumored Death Of Student
The suspension may be related to the rumored death of a WVU student, according to local news reporter Mackenzie Mays. However, the university would only confirm a "catastrophic medical emergency" in a statement on their website.
WVU students on Twitter have connected the medical emergency to Nolan Burch, a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Burch's condition is unknown, and it is unclear if he was a brother or pledge member of the fraternity.
According to local news reports, WVU's Sigma Chi chapter was suspended last week after 19 of its members were involved in an underage drinking incident in a nearby neighborhood. "They were allegedly drunk, running through the neighborhood and disturbing the peace," MetroNews reports.
Another report states that three students were arrested in connection to the Sigma Chi incident.
WVU's Greek community is home to 28 fraternities and sororities, three Greek leadership councils, and over 2,000 students, according to the school's Greek website.
WVU released the following statement about the Greek suspension:
Following emergency meetings today among West Virginia University officials, the Inter-Fraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, all campus fraternities and sororities have been placed on a moratorium that suspends all chapter social and pledging activities until further notice.
The action comes on the heels of two recent incidents, the latest occurring today (Nov. 13) where a catastrophic medical emergency required a 9-1-1 response to a fraternity house. The other on Nov. 6 was a disturbance in South Park involving members of another fraternity. Both incidents are under investigation by both Morgantown and University Police.
"First, our hearts, prayers and support go out to the student who is gravely ill and his family. Right now that is our utmost concern," said Dean of Students Corey Farris, Inter-Fraternity Council President Ansh Kumar and Panhellenic Council President Rachel Poe in a joint statement.
Farris said Student Life officials have met with the family and are also offering counseling services for friends and loved ones. Staff at the Carruth Center are available by calling 304-293-4431.
"The action to halt fraternity and sorority activities while these matters are being reviewed is being done with the well-being and safety of our students in mind. That is - and must always be - our foremost priority," Farris said.
In addition to any criminal charges, WVU's Office of Student Conduct will review the matters to determine any violations of the student code.