Phi Kappa Psi Reinstated at the University of Virginia

The Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at the University of Virginia has been reinstated effective immediately, University and Phi Kappa Psi national officials announced today.

The reinstatement resulted after consultation with Charlottesville Police Department officials, who told the University that their investigation has not revealed any substantive basis to confirm that the allegations raised in the Rolling Stone article occurred at Phi Kappa Psi.

U.Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan informed fraternity officials of the decision to reinstate the chapter’s Fraternal Organization Agreement with the University after learning of the update to the police investigation.

“We welcome Phi Kappa Psi, and we look forward to working with all fraternities and sororities in enhancing and promoting a safe environment for all,” U.Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan said.

Last Tuesday, Sullivan authorized new addenda to the University’s Fraternal Organization Agreement that were submitted by the four student-led Greek leadership councils. The new addenda outline specific practices that each fraternity and sorority will put in place to enhance the safety of their members and guests. Sullivan also announced the immediate reinstatement of all social activities, with the stipulation that the FOA addenda must be signed by the president or designee from each fraternity and sorority by Jan. 16. Phi Kappa Psi became the first fraternity to sign the Inter-Fraternity Council’s FOA addendum on Jan. 8.

“In today’s 24-hour news cycle, we must guard against a rush to judgment as we often don’t have all of the facts in front of us,” said Stephen Scipione, president of the Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi.

Members of Phi Kappa Psi participated in the development of the new IFC Fraternal Organization Agreement addendum designed to create a safer student environment on Grounds.

“We believe that in the midst of this ordeal, there is an opportunity to move forward with important safety improvements. This has prompted us to take a closer look at ourselves and what role organizations like ours may play in this problem. It’s opened all of our eyes to the problem of sexual assault,” Scipione said. “Now it’s time to do something about it. As a fraternity, we are going to continue discussing that need in the coming weeks.”

The fraternity has been at the University since 1853 and currently has more than 800 alumni across the country.