Clemson University Suspends All 24 Fraternities Following Student’s Death
It has been a rough week so far in Clemson, S.C.
On Monday, Clemson University sophomore Tucker Hipps went missing during a run with his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers. Hipps reportedly fell behind in the run, and when his brothers went to look for him, he was nowhere to be found. Sadly, later that afternoon, his body was found in an off-campus lake.
Although the local sheriff has been quoted as saying he does not believe hazing is to blame for Tucker’s death, school officials made the decision to suspend all social and new member initiation activities of all on-campus fraternities.
Clemson’s vice president of student affairs released the following statement on the decision.
From Business Insider:
“It is especially prudent to suspend fraternity activities given the tragic death of Tucker Hipps. There has been a high number of reports of serious incidents involving fraternity activities, ranging from alcohol-related medical emergencies to sexual misconduct … These behaviors are unacceptable and mandate swift and effective action to protect students. There is no higher priority than the safety and welfare of our students.”
The school continued to say that “matters of criminal nature have been turned over to appropriate law enforcement agencies.”
While the decision to suspend all fraternities may initially seem dramatic, it appears to be the final straw in what has already been an unnerving semester at Clemson.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tucker’s family, friends, and his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers..
[via Business Insider]
Image via Clemson University
[…] The university launched an investigation into the chapter’s new member process when Tucker Hipps, a sophomore pledge, went missing after an early morning run with his pledge brothers. His body was later found in Lake Hartwell. Following the news of his death, Clemson suspended all 24 fraternities. […]
9 years ago at 4:30 pm