DENVER (KDVR) — The University of Colorado Boulder said that one of its fraternities was suspended Thursday after receiving “credible reports” of hazing.
The university said that it received a credible hazing report involving the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity on Dec. 1, and the incident was reported to campus on Dec. 2.
“The university has also received at least two additional, anonymous reports of extreme or severe hazing this week,” CU Boulder said in a Safety Alert shared Thursday evening.
In that alert, the university announced the fraternity’s interim suspension. The suspension will remain in place while the university investigates, meaning that all fraternity activities are also suspended for the time being.
The university is soliciting information about Phi Kappa Sigma or any other hazing incident on campus through its Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution website. The reports can also be made to Safe2Tell or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
NewsNation affiliate KDVR reached out to Phi Kappa Sigma’s national governance and received a statement.
“We will be partnering with the institution to investigate the alleged behaviors from our Chapter at the University of Colorado – Boulder. Phi Kappa Sigma does not tolerate hazing or hazing-like behaviors and will continue to strive to eradicate it from the Greek System,” the fraternity said Friday.
CU Boulder said that if additional information becomes available, it will update the CU Boulder Alerts website.
The university also shared some tips on how to stay safe in the face of hazing, including:
- Learn to identify hazing, as knowing what it looks like can help keep boundaries from being crossed. Questions to ask to determine if an action is hazing include:
- Is this part of the membership process for a group?
- Are people involved being pressured or coerced?
- What would happen if someone didn’t want to participate?
- Report suspicious and problematic behavior
- Trust your instincts: CU Boulder said if something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Intervene: If you witness activity that feels unsafe, step in to try and interrupt it if it feels safe to do so
- Ask for help: Turn to a trusted support person, like an RA or advisor
According to CU Boulder’s website, the Phi Kappa Sigma chapter at the university joined the CU Boulder Interfraternity Council in Spring 2022. Phi Kappa Sigma, or “the Skulls,” describes itself on a national level as focusing on academic knowledge, respectful conduct and commitment to not just the fraternity, but the brothers themselves.