May Greek Life Pause At UTC Be A First Modification Violation?

[ad_1] by Sharelle B. McNair August 30, 2025

Colleges throughout the nation, together with traditionally Black schools and universities, are stepping as much as tackle hazing accusations.

A free speech advocacy group claims that the College of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s (UTC) resolution to pause the actions of fraternities and sororities could violate college students’ free speech rights whereas the varsity investigates hazing accusations, based on the Chattanooga Occasions Free Press.

Attorneys with the Basis for Particular person Rights and Expression wrote a letter to UTC’s Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce, urging the college to rethink the choice by Aug. 29, because the ban positioned limitations on college students organizing political protests, sporting Greek letters, internet hosting instructional or philanthropic occasions, and different types of actions protected by the First Modification. “The college punished 25 completely different teams affecting lots of of scholars primarily based on the reviews of misconduct of solely two of the teams,” legal professional Zachary Greenberg stated.

“And this guilt by affiliation method is antithetical to the First Modification, by which the college is sure.”

The suspension comes as college students began courses in mid-August, with some desirous to be recruited by teams together with Black Greek organizations Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Greenberg warned the college that if the lifting demand isn’t met, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit will zone in on choices akin to public stress or potential litigation. “At this level, all advocacy choices are on the desk,” he continued.

Nonetheless, after reviewing the letter, UTC referred again to its unique announcement of the pause following hazing accusations, stating officers can be permitted to reevaluate insurance policies, actions, and methods to strengthen Greek Life that “foster a tradition of care, accountability, management and respect.”

The letter comes only one week shy of the varsity’s unique carry date of Sept. 5, as a compulsory group assembly for all UTC fraternity and sorority members is scheduled for Sept. 2. As the varsity continues to push a story that the motion isn’t singling out one occasion, the timing comes as one group, the Alpha-Iota Chapter of Kappa Sigma, acquired severe accusations of hazing, based on Information Channel 9.

Investigative information relationship from September 2024 reveal that an incident throughout a fraternity ritual often called the “Climate Pledge” resulted in two pledges being hospitalized with second-degree burns. Movies present pledges putting lemon juice into their eyes, leaping from rooftops, and setting their chests on hearth — after dousing themselves with rubbing alcohol.

One suffered burns on over six p.c of his physique, whereas the opposite suffered from burns to over 25%, requiring pores and skin grafts. Each victims admitted to collaborating within the ritual voluntarily, but additionally claimed that if chapter leaders had stepped in, they'd have stopped. Colleges throughout the nation, together with traditionally Black schools and universities (HBCUs), are stepping as much as tackle hazing accusations.

In early 2025, members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from Southern College had been arrested and charged with legal hazing and manslaughter after the dying of pledge Caleb Wilson drew nationwide consideration to Greek letter organizations.