CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — University of Virginia officials reinstated the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi, effective immediately.
The reinstatement was announced after an investigation by the Charlottesville Police Department did not reveal “any substantive basis to confirm that the allegations raised in the Rolling Stonearticle occurred at Phi Kappa Psi.”
“We welcome Phi Kappa Psi, and we look forward to working with all fraternities and sororities in enhancing and promoting a safe environment for all,” U.Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan said.
Sullivan suspended all fraternal organizations on Nov. 22 after a Rolling Stone article about an alleged gang-rape of a UVa. student during a party at the Phi Kappa Psi house was published.
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Sullivan announced the immediate reinstatement of all social activities for fraternities and sororities.
She also authorized new additions to the University’s Fraternal Organization Agreement that outlined specific practices each fraternity and sorority must put in place to “enhance the safety of their members and guests.”
The addendum includes regulations such as a minimum of three brothers must be sober and lucid at teach fraternity function, bottled water must be provided, hard liquor at Tier I events must be served by a licensed bartender, all liquor served at Tier II events must be served from a central location and overseen by a sober brother, a sober brother who monitors stairs must have immediate key access to each room during the social function. Read the full addendum here.
“I believe the new safety measures recommended by the student leaders in the Greek community will help provide a safer environment for their members and guests,” Sullivan said in a released statement. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our student leaders who have worked so diligently in the past several weeks to bring forth substantive recommendations and improvements consistent with the ideals of our community of trust.”
Other safety measures announced by Sullivan include a new police substation serving the Corner area, increased police patrols, enhancements to on-grounds lighting, and improvements to the university’s camera system.
The spring semester at UVa. starts Jan. 12. Formal recruitment for new members by many fraternities and sororities will begin by the end of this week.
