LOS ANGELES (KNX) — Most fraternities at the University of Southern California will reopen for social gatherings in March, so long as members comply with strict rules handed down by administrators.
Houses will be required to post security guards at stairs and hallways leading to bedrooms, for example; a response to allegations of sexual assault and drugging at the USC chapter of Sigma Nu that surfaced three months ago. The house has since been suspended from campus.
Title IX investigations into allegations of sexual abuse at other USC fraternities remain underway. Chi Phi, Delta Tau Delta, and Phi Kappa Tau have also been suspended. Suspended houses will not be permitted to conduct any social activities, including new member recruitment.
Fraternity members will also have to undergo mandated risk and sexual violence prevention trainings, under the new rules. Nor will guests to USC fraternities be allowed to enter member bedrooms during social events.
The policies were drafted by a working group of Greek life and student government leaders, faculty, and subject-matter experts, and approved by USC administrators.
“About 4,000 of our students participate in fraternity and sorority life at USC, and many say that this is a central part of their USC experience,” USC Provost Charles Zukoski wrote this week. “Our community must work together to end sexual assault on our campuses. We appreciate everyone who brings forward concerns and reports sexual assault and other issues impacting safety and well-being, and we understand how difficult this can be.”
Fraternity rush, during which alcohol is prohibited, starts virtually on Friday and moves to in-person recruitment on Monday.
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