ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The University of Maryland has lifted its suspension of most fraternities and sororities after an investigation into hazing and alcohol-related activities, the university said Friday, though five chapters will remain under investigation and continue to be subject to limited restrictions on activities.
Court filings made public Friday included reports of forced heavy drinking, beatings with a paddle, burning with cigarettes and exposure to cold.
The university, based in College Park, Maryland, announced on March 1 that it was suspending fraternity and sorority activities, citing allegations of misconduct. Events involving alcohol and recruitment activities were banned during the suspension.
“The University is continuing its investigation of five chapters through the Office of Student Conduct due to evidence suggesting involvement in hazing or other incidents that threatened the health and safety of our campus community,” the university stated in a statement.
The university also added that individual students will be referred to the office for potential conduct violations.
This week, a group representing several fraternities filed a lawsuit against the university in federal court, seeking a restraining order against the ban.
The attorneys for the four fraternities that sued did not immediately return a message or an email seeking comment on the university’s announcement.
The case has the support of the national Fraternal Forward Coalition, which said in a statement it would continue to pursue it.
