News

Pitt finds no evidence of hazing after Sigma Chi incident

Pitt police found no evidence of hazing and do not plan on filing charges after a student was hospitalized for voluntarily drinking “to excess” at a Sigma Chi event, according to a statement released Thursday.

The Jan. 18 incident resulted in Pitt suspending Sigma Chi and placing all other Greek organizations under modified social probation, banning them from serving alcohol at events. In an email Thursday, Pitt spokesperson Joe Miksch said the underage student was “assisted and transported to the hospital by concerned classmates.” The student has now recovered.

“Absent new information, Pitt Police do not intend to pursue charges against any individual or organization involved,” Miksch said, adding that incident is being reviewed “through the lens of the Student Code of Conduct.”

Pittsburgh police spokesperson Alicia George said an investigation is ongoing, with charges and citations pending.

All Greek organizations will remain under social probation until “meaningful progress” is made on a plan that reaffirms that Greek life is a safe experience for students, Miksch said. Student leaders from the Greek community will meet with Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner later this week to discuss the plan.

Bonner wrote a letter sent to the Pitt community Thursday afternoon. It updated students on the investigation and discussed plans to create a “safer campus community.”

“While this incident is associated with one of our fraternities, alcohol emergencies can involve anyone in our community. I am thankful for the students who intervened to seek medical attention for their classmate in need,” Bonner wrote. “I also believe that this incident serves as an important call to action: Together, let’s recommit to practicing vigilance and demonstrating care and compassion for all. After all, the strength of our community lies in our commitment to one another.”

TPN Editor-in-Chief

Share
Published by
TPN Editor-in-Chief

Recent Posts

Opinion | Anti-trans rhetoric strips everyone of their identity

The very existence of trans people does not pose a threat to women, but there…

2 hours ago

Opinion | The Oscar best picture ranking no one asked for

This spring break, I unfortunately had to stay alone on campus. In my desperation to…

2 hours ago

Celebrating Irish culture at Pitt with the Irish Design Center

St. Patrick’s Day weekend on Pitt’s campus is what some refer to as the spring…

12 hours ago

Column | Pitt ends a disappointing 2024-2025 campaign

What was once a season full of promise and return to glory turned into a…

12 hours ago

The Ginger Run: A perspective on the chaos and borgs from a ginger who can’t run

A gray sky, similar to the one that blankets Ireland, graced Semple Street at 2…

12 hours ago

Column | Predicting March Madness’ Cinderellas

Last night, the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee released the field of 68 teams that will…

12 hours ago