The University’s fraternities system is investigating nine recent reports of hazing among multiple chapters, an unusually large number that has UNC officials concerned.
The Interfraternity Council’s leadership and chapter presidents met with University officials Wednesday to address the high volume of reports and review UNC’s hazing policy.
“(Nine) is a significant number of cases to be dealing with at a single juncture,” said Aaron Bachenheimer, director of fraternity and sorority life and community involvement, who attended the meeting.
But IFC President Jack Partain said the larger number of reports could be due to stricter rules implemented by the council in recent years.
Earlier this year, judicial bylaws were rewritten to change the burden of proof needed to prosecute a chapter from “beyond a reasonable doubt” to a preponderance of evidence, meaning that if it is more likely than not that a violation occurred, disciplinary measures can be handed down.
Partain attributed the recent reports to a greater willingness of people to report violations because of an enhanced trust in the disciplinary system.
“Now they’re seeing it as an effective system, and they’re using it,” he said.
“This is an example of the system we have in place working,” Partain added. “The volume is a little higher than usual, but I think that we made those changes so we could have a more effective judicial process, and I think that’s what we’re seeing here.”
Will Lindsey, chairman of the Greek Judicial Board, said he could not release any specific information in the reports because the investigation is ongoing.
