Duke University suspended the activities of 10 sorority chapters on Wednesday after a new member was hospitalized Tuesday evening due to an alochol-related incident at a sorority event, only to partially revoke the suspension several hours later after school officials met with sorority leaders.
At the time, The Chronicle, Duke's student newspaper, reported: "The new member is currently in critical condition in the hospital and the incident is being investigated, according to an email addressed to Duke's Panhellenic community and signed by Clarybel Peguero, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Anya Ranganathan, president of Panhellenic Council."
Duke released a statement over twitter upon hearing the news, revealing that all sorority activity had been suspended due to concerns about the sorority recruiting process known as "rushing."
Duke has suspended all sorority activity until further notice. pic.twitter.com/oQ996sKafi
— Duke University (@DukeU) January 27, 2016
School officials later met with sorority leaders Wednesday evening and had a "candid and productive conversation focused on steps that can be taken to undermine a social culture, not unique to Duke, that is excessively focused on alcohol use and abuse. All agreed that what happened last night was unacceptable and that steps must be taken to prevent any similar recurrence," wrote a university spokesperson, according to The Washington Post.
The sorority members committed to start making reforms quickly.
In the aftermath of the meeting, the 10 sororities are now allowed to conduct study breaks, sisterhood events, chapter meetings, as well as philanthropy and community service activities, reported Newsmax. Further sanctions are expected to be lifted soon.
The hospitalized student is expected to fully recover, it was not revealed which sorority she joined.
