By: Chris Gros
May 11, 2016
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The suspension of FSU fraternity Omega Psi Phi has been lifted.
According to an FSU spokesperson, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities has already notified the chapter.
The fraternity was suspended back in February after an alleged 2015 hazing incident was reported by a member.
According to FSU police, they were unable to validate the claim.
No one is currently facing any charges.
The national chapter of Omega Psi Phi released a statement in response to today's lifted suspension.
"The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and its 40th Grand Basileus, Antonio F. Knox, Sr., appreciates the efforts of Florida State University in conducting a thorough investigation into complaints of hazing involving members of our Chapter there and finding that the complaints are unsubstantiated. The Fraternity strongly condemns violence and physical and mental abuse in order to become a member of our grand organization and is glad that this episode and the resulting school suspension is now over, so that our brothers may get back to their studies and the many great works for which Omega Psi Phi is known. We continue to stress to the public that anyone with credible information about hazing or abuse of candidates to please come forward and help us and the colleges where we exist to root out this anachronistic practice. Our members are ever reminded that "Friendship is Essential to the Soul." Hazing is not an expression of that Friendship."
By: WCTV Eyewitness News
February 18, 2016
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A Florida State University fraternity is on suspension after allegations of hazing.
Omega Psi Phi's national legal team says the FSU chapter has been on suspension for two weeks.
The hazing allegedly happened in 2015 to at least one member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, but was reported this year.
School officials have confirmed to WCTV that FSU Police are conducting an ongoing active criminal investigation into the alleged hazing.
FSU officials released the following statement to WCTV regarding the allegations:
"Florida State University cannot confirm specific cases due to student privacy concerns, but the university does not tolerate hazing in any form. The university immediately investigates each and every report of hazing it receives, and takes disciplinary action when it determines hazing has occurred."
We also reached out to the national chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for comment. They provided us with the following statement:
"You called about an anonymous tip regarding Omega Psi Phi and hazing at Florida State University. We have yet to receive any such information, however we did recently learn from the University that it was initiating an investigation into an incident of hazing, but they have provided very little additional information. We have started our own investigation as well, within the last few days. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity takes these matters very seriously and vehemently rejects hazing. Hazing and mistreatment of candidates of our great Fraternity is outlawed as a part of our membership selection process and we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and the university to ensure that those who are involved face appropriate punishment. We do feel for young people who often mistakenly believe that to be accepted by the fraternity and its members, that they have to engage in risky behavior. They do not! For we believe that "Friendship is Essential to the Soul" and mistreatment of candidates is antithetical to that principle."
