In light of allegations of a gang-rape at the University of Virginia (UVA) branch of Phi Kappa Psi, the university suspended all fraternities for the rest of the semester. A scroll through the anonymous app Yik Yak shows how students feel about the decision.
AP Photo/The Daily Progress, Ryan M. Kelly
The article unveils one student's alleged assault in which she was raped by seven members of the UVA branch of Phi Kappa Psi, as well as a greater culture on campus of both students and the administration covering up sexual assault allegations.
In the story, a female student described being violently sexually assaulted by seven men at a party hosted by the UVA branch of Phi Kappa Psi.
In an email to the university on Saturday, UVA President Teresa Sullivan said that all fraternities and associated activities would be suspended until Jan. 9.
During the suspension, the Board of Visitors will discuss the allegations brought to light by the Rolling Stone article, as well as review the university's sexual misconduct policies and procedures.
"The wrongs described in Rolling Stone are appalling and have caused all of us to reexamine our responsibility to this community," Sullivan wrote. "Meaningful change is necessary, and we can lead that change for all universities." She continued:
In the intervening period we will assemble groups of students, faculty, alumni, and other concerned parties to discuss our next steps in preventing sexual assault and sexual violence on Grounds. ... On Tuesday, the Board of Visitors will meet to discuss the University's policies and procedures regarding sexual assault as well as the specific, recent allegations.
Phi Kappa Psi was also under fire earlier this month after a student was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted at a Brown University branch of the frat. A spokesperson for the fraternity did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News' request for comment.
