University of Virginia Suspends Its Fraternities Until January 9 Following A Rolling Stone Article Detailing A Brutal Gang Rape At A Virginia Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Party [PHOTO]

The University of Virginia has suspended all its fraternities and their organizational activities until January 9th amid an investigation into a published article by the Rolling Stone magazine. The article, written by Sabrina Rubin Erdely, detailed a brutal gang rape occurring at the University's Phi Kappa Psi house in 2012.

The victim, who the article calls Jackie, was assaulted by seven men, and suffered massive peer pressure from her friends and others who knew of her assault not to report her case. According to NBC News, University President Teresa A. Sullivan described the alleged rape as "appalling," and has said that the University has since asked the Charlottesville police department to investigate the assault. So far, there have been no arrests in the case.

Sullivan wrote in a statement, "I write you today in solidarity. I write you in great sorrow, great rage, but most importantly, with great determination...Meaningful change is necessary, and we can lead that change for all universities. We can demand that incidents like those described in Rolling Stone never happen and that if they do, the responsible are held accountable to the law."

She continued, "This will require institutional change, cultural change, and legislative change, and it will not be easy. We are making those changes," conveying that the University is prioritizing making its grounds a safer place for its women and for all victims of sexual assault.

According to the Cavalier Daily, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity has voluntarily surrendered their Fraternal Organizational Agreement with the University, suspending all of its chapter activities. A statement from their Alpha chapter reads, "Although at this time we have no specific knowledge of the claims set out in the Rolling Stone Article, we take this matter - and these tragic allegations - very seriously...

We remain ready and willing to assist with the fair and swift pursuit of justice, wherever that may lead, and steadfast in our resolve to ensure that nothing like this can happen, ever on our Grounds."

Tags
University of Virginia
rape
Sexual Assault
gang rape
Rolling Stone
Phi Kappa Psi
Teresa Sullivan
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