Protesters at fraternity after MU suspends activities after report of alcohol poisoning
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Over 300 protestors are in front of a University of Missouri fraternity after a report of a freshman with alcohol poisoning.
Watch a replay of the protest in the player below. Disclaimer: some audio may include unsuitable words.
The University of Missouri has suspended all fraternity activities after the reported alcohol poisoning at Phi Gamma Delta.
MU leaders announced the decision in an email to the campus Wednesday evening.
The suspension includes social events and university-sanctioned activities.
The university said in a news release that the poisoning happened early Wednesday and that the student was unresponsive and taken to a hospital. The campus Phi Gamma Delta chapter has been suspended. Police are investigating, the university said.
The Interfraternity Council voted to support the decision, according to the release.
“We stand in agreement with the actions being taken by the university as nothing is more important than the safety of the Mizzou community," council president Conner Sibley said in the release.
The university's vice chancellor of student affairs, Bill Stackman, said in the release that anyone involved will be held accountable and criminal charges could be involved.
“Following the investigation, we will review the findings and determine if any immediate changes should be made to ensure the safety of students participating in Greek Life activities,” Stackman said in the release. “No further activities from fraternities will be allowed as we investigate. This review, to be conducted in concert with IFC, will allow us to reinforce our expectations for personal and academic growth in a safe environment.”
The university's Greek Life system, like many across the country, has come under scrutiny in recent years under allegations of hazing and other bad behavior. An MU fraternity was sued in 2017 by the family of a freshman student alleging hazing and forced alcohol drinking that led to poisoning. Another fraternity was investigated for members using racial slurs in 2016.
In its message to campus, MU leaders said the university will conduct a review of the Greek Life system. A review was also ordered in 2017. A plan based on that review was released in 2019.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
