UNF president: 'Greek activity has NOT been suspended on campus'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE, 12/6/17, 6 a.m.: The University of North Florida's Greek life Council of Presidents have outlined a proposed timeline of the moratorium on fraternity and sorority social events during the spring semester.

The outline states that the proposal will serve as a guideline to ensure events are run safely and in compliance with University policies.

UPDATE, 12/5/17, 6:17 p.m.: University of North Florida President John Delaney issued a statement to faculty, students and staff about Greek life at UNF.

Delaney said that "Greek activity has NOT been suspended on campus," but he wants to meet with UNF student leaders to "better understand their proposed and tabled moratorium on alcohol at Greek social events."

The proposal would be "a voluntary, self-imposed two month "pause button" requiring no alcohol at chapter activities," Delaney said, as UNF fraternities and sororities refocus their efforts.

Here is Delaney's full statement:

Late this afternoon, I met with the students who head up the University of North Florida Council of Presidents, which represent the Interfraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Multicultural Greek Council and the Panhellenic Council. I asked to meet with these students to better understand their proposed and tabled moratorium on alcohol at Greek social events. 
 
This was incorrectly communicated as a "suspension of Greek activities," which wasn't the intent of the leaders of the Council and also not within its authority. Greek activity has NOT been suspended on campus.
 
While no single event triggered their suggestion, there is clearly a genuine concern about some inappropriate behavior at some Greek events, both at UNF and across the country. 
 
I was very impressed with the students' passion for returning the focus of their organizations to the values they hold dear. Frankly, many of my presidential colleagues haven't had such a similar experience, and I am grateful for the passion.
 
This week, the Councils will be meeting with the presidents, delegates and advisors of each chapter to discuss ways to ensure that UNF fraternities and sororities have responsible mechanisms in place to ensure they don't experience the same tragedies we've seen on other campuses.  Following those meetings, the Council of Presidents will make a recommendation to me. 
 
I want to make it clear that this proactive approach, if implemented, doesn't impact the majority of Greek life activities, such as rush events, member gatherings, chapter meetings or the organizations' numerous philanthropic activities. The proposal is, in essence, a voluntary, self-imposed two month "pause button" requiring no alcohol at chapter activities that would allow each chapter to refocus its efforts on helping produce outstanding men and women who are leaders in their communities.

Original story below:

Greek life social events have been suspended at the University of North Florida.

Action News Jax received obtained a letter late Monday night from the Greek Student Council stating the move is a precautionary measure to ensure student safety in reaction to other Florida schools Greek life organizations that have been put on probation.

The letter from UNF’s council president states this is not a punishment but rather proactive steps to ensure safety and longevity for campus Greek life.

The decision comes in reaction to issues with Greek life in Florida and across the country.

Action News Jax received more information in a text message from a source that specifically mentions the state imposed probation at Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University in a text message from a source.

The message goes on to say that Greek life at UNF needs to change. 
  
In the text message sent to an Action News Jax source, the interfraternity council president says "the culture we have in UNF IFC right now is not one that shows longevity and prosperity, it shows big liabilities that we need to change, and this is the first step."

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