UST bans fraternities, sororities

In response to the death allegedly due to hazing of freshman law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III last year, the University of Santo Tomas has banned fraternities and sororities for the coming academic year (AY).

UST Office of Student Affairs director Ma. Socorro Guan Hing said the university has decided to suspend recognition of all fraternities, sororities and similar organizations for AY 2018-2019 until further notice.

She said the decision is in light of the recent hazing incident and “in keeping with the duty of the university to take proactive steps to protect the students from the danger of participating in activities that will involve hazing.”

“Accordingly, all fraternities, sororities or similar organizations are directed to cease and desist from recruiting students or engaging in any kind of activities,” the May 21 memorandum released by UST’s official student publication The Varsitarian read. “All students are likewise directed not to join fraternities, sororities or any unrecognized student organizations pursuant to the code of conduct and discipline,” it added.

Castillo died from massive injuries after attending the initiation rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity last September.

Ten members of the fraternity were charged for violating the anti-hazing law following the incident.