Bloomsburg University officials announced that the school has ended all sorority and fraternity programs.
“Effective immediately, Bloomsburg University is terminating its fraternity and sorority life (FSL) program and severing ties with all national and local FSL organizations currently affiliated with the University,” the statement read.
“All students are reminded that their conduct remains subject to all applicable University policies, including: PRP 4802 — Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Process.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that this announcement was released days after sophomore nursing major Leah Burke’s death. However, a spokesperson from the university Tom McGuire said that the incident is not related to Bloomsburg’s decision on Greek life.
According to the student website BUnow, Burke passed away at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after “an incident on the outdoor stairs of a fraternity house.”
Bloomsburg is currently conducting an investigation into her death.
Bloomsburg Conflicts With Greek System
Bloomsburg has struggled with managing its Greek life system on multiple occasions. Earlier this year, the administration severed ties with three Greek organizations due to ongoing violations.
In September 2019, 18-year-old freshman Justin P King fell to his death after attending a fraternity rush party. Last February, King’s mother filed a lawsuit against the fraternity, a sorority that hosted the event, and 36 of their members, alleging that they intoxicated her son as part of an initiation process.
After his death, Bloomsburg closed down eight fraternities and sororities.
End of Greek Life: for Better or for Worse?
The university’s decision to end its Greek life system has had mixed reactions online. While some believe that other colleges and universities should make the same decision, others expressed disappointment and are concerned that the lack of regulation would lead to underground dealings.
I think all colleges should consider following the same path.
— JamieO (@Jamie16575894) May 13, 2021
Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania has disbanded Geek life after years of alleged hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual assault. Students must feel so exposed now that they can't hide their crimes behind Greek letters.
— 🌺Bri Ribalta🌺 (@BriRibalta) May 16, 2021
So Bloomsburg University ended all Greek life according to fox 56. What a stupid thing to do. They will either see less students or more "mysterious" deaths as the Greeks go underground
— Blazewing (@Blazewing2) May 14, 2021
While McGuire could not provide further commentary on why the decision was made, he told WNEP that the decision was reached after repeated violations at sororities and fraternities.