The University of Virginia fraternity chapter at the centre of sexual assault allegations published by Rolling Stone has been reinstated after a local police investigation failed to uncover “any substantive basis” to claims made in the magazine.
University officials announced on Monday that the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity would be allowed to return to campus after receiving an update from Charlottesville police, who have been investigating the assault claims since the university referred the matter in late November.
UVA president Teresa Sullivan had suspended all fraternities in the wake of the magazine article as protests erupted around the campus.
The Rolling Stone investigation, published on 19 November, contained detailed allegations of a gang rape that was said to have occurred in the fall of 2012. The alleged victim, named only as “Jackie”, said seven people who were implied to be Phi Kappa Psi members had gang-raped her during a party at its chapter house.
On Monday Sullivan issued a joint statement with the fraternity chapter’s president through the university’s website.
“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,” Sullivan said, adding that all social activities would be reinstated after fraternity presidents on campus had signed updated agreements aimed at protecting fraternity members and their guests’ safety.
The fraternity’s campus president, Stephen Scipione, said: “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.
“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.”
The Virginia state legislature is currently considering legislation that would make reporting of sexual assault allegations to the police mandatory.
Rolling Stone issued an apology after elements of its article were brought into question and has committed to re-reporting it.
