Identity of Speakers
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Plaintiffs
Student
OtherA coalition of students and fraternity chapters.
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Lawsuit
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
University administration changed university policy as a consequence
Litigation
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Incident Status:
In litigation Federal District Court
Dismissed
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
In March 2024, the University of Maryland suspended new member programs and alcohol-related social events for 37 fraternities and sororities amid serious allegations of hazing and misconduct. The suspension affected 21 fraternities and 16 sororities, prompting the university to launch a thorough investigation to protect student safety.
In response, several Greek organizations filed a federal lawsuit claiming violations of constitutional rights, including due process and freedom of association, and alleging coercive interrogations without legal counsel. However, in April 2025, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the suspension was lifted for most chapters and the case was effectively moot. The judge noted the university’s resumption of Greek life activities and expressed confidence that the problematic circumstances would not recur.
Following the suspension and legal dispute, UMD released a comprehensive report outlining reforms aimed at strengthening fraternity and sorority life. The recommendations include enhancing communication between Greek organizations and administrators, increasing staffing for oversight, improving training programs focused on hazing prevention, and implementing stronger accountability measures.
