OU probes rugby club, 2 more frats for hazing

The number of student organizations at Ohio University suspended over allegations of hazing continues to climb.

The university announced Thursday that two more OU fraternity chapters have been suspended: Pi Kappa Phi and the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity.

The OU men’s rugby team — a club sport currently in the midst of its standard season— received a cease-and-desist order from the university on Wednesday after OU administration learned of allegations of hazing. The club is accused of conduct that put “the health and safety of (its) members at risk,” according to a copy of the letter issued to the team.

The rugby club’s president and vice president didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment Thursday.

OU this week also began posting the names on a public website of all student organizations that are being reviewed for potential discipline.

So far, the university has fielded allegations of hazing against 16 student organizations: nine traditional fraternity chapters (all part of the 15-member Interfraternity Council), two business fraternities, three sororities (all members of the Women’s Panhellenic Association), OU’S Marching 110 band and the rugby club.

However, the university earlier this month moved to suspend the organizational activities of all 15 IFC fraternity chapters after receiving allegations of hazing against seven of those chapters in one 48-hour period. Two more were filed in following days.

OU spokeswoman Carly Leatherwood said Thursday, however, that the IFC chapters without direct allegations of hazing against them could be reinstated “as soon as next week” after working with the university’s Sorority & Fraternity Life Office to develop a plan on how the groups can improve their behavior.