(RNN) – The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at the University of Michigan voted to suspend all social activities and pledging while investigations of sexual assault and hazing are investigated, according to the student newspaper.
The school’s IFC voted for the suspension because if the university or the national council imposed punishment, the group would have no say when the suspension would be lifted, The Michigan Daily reported.
Allegations include claims of sexual misconduct, six incidents of hazing – some which involved near-death situations - and more than “30 hospital transports” during the weekend the school played Michigan State in football, and seven during Halloween weekend. Another incident includes a “Champagne and Shackles” social event that was unauthorized by the council. Two people are handcuffed to each other until they finish a bottle of Champagne.
“We believe that social events are a privilege, and we, as a community, have not earned this privilege at this time. We will immediately begin the process of assessing our policies and practices and developing a formal plan going forward,” said Alec Mayhan, the IFC executive vice president in a statement.
He also said the council will focus on the health and safety of “our members and our community.”
Earlier this week, Florida State University indefinitely suspended all fraternities and sororities after a student who was pledging a fraternity died at an off-campus party.
On Oct. 24, Ball State’s IFC suspended social gatherings at fraternity houses that serve alcohol until after Jan. 31, 2018.
Hazing and alcohol incidents at fraternities have made national news recently. In February, a student at Penn State University died after he fell down the stairs at the Beta Theta Pi house after a hazing event. The fraternity brothers didn’t call for help until 12 hours later.
In August 2016, 10 Phi Delta Theta fraternity members at LSU were arrested with the hazing death of an 18-year-old student.
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