MUNCIE — A three-month prohibition against social gatherings hosted by Ball State University fraternities has been lifted at 12 of 13 houses.
University officials say the "pause" in social events reduced the number of misconduct incidents.The party ban remains in effect at the Fiji house but it, too, is expected to be removed within a couple of days.
"While the (FIJI) group has completed nearly all requirements outlined in the agreement, they need a very short period of time to finish up for the pause to be lifted," Kay Bales, BSU vice president for student affairs, told The Star Press.
The suspension of social events (with or without alcohol) was the result of an agreement between the university and 13 fraternities. It was originally to be in effect from late October through Jan. 31.
"During the pause, there was a sharp drop in reports filed by the Office of Greek Life related to alcohol, fighting, hazing, excessive noise or sexual misconduct," Kay Bales, vice president for student affairs, reported Wednesday in a message to the campus community. "There were 51 reports between Aug. 1, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017. That number dropped to 12 from Oct. 24, 2017, to Jan. 24, 2018. During that same time period, there were no complaints regarding alcohol, hazing, or sexual assault."