Phi Kappa Psi Release on Rolling Stone Article - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Phi Kappa Psi Release on Rolling Stone Article

Phi kappa Psi Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2014

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity was recently made aware of a story in Rolling Stone magazine that contains sexual assault allegations against the University of Virginia chapter.

We take this matter - and these allegations - very seriously.

First and foremost, we do not condone violence under any circumstances; gender-based and sexual violence is particularly heinous. It is antithetical to the morals and founding principles of our Fraternity, and we condemn it unequivocally. We remain actively and aggressively committed to ending these inexcusable forms of violence not only in the Greek community, but across all campus communities at large.

As distressing as these allegations are to us, we recognize that the personal stress and anxiety experienced by any survivor of an assault dwarfs our own.

No exceptions. No excuses.

While this article addresses a serious challenge to all college communities, it is important to note that to our knowledge there have been no criminal investigations or charges of sexual assault brought against any member of the chapter. Furthermore, no detailed information regarding this story or investigation had been shared with us beyond the scope of the article once released. The University of Virginia chapter leadership and National Fraternity have been, and will continue to be cooperative, open, and honest in any forthcoming investigation that may be conducted by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Phi Kappa Psi will fully cooperate with the administration of the University of Virginia in identifying and immediately eradicating any alleged or proven misconduct. Finally, Phi Kappa Psi has also launched its own independent investigation intended to determine the facts surrounding these allegations.

We are committed - above all else - to accountability with regard to these serious matters.

In line with our zero tolerance commitment, the national organization and the Virginia chapter have organized and engaged in myriad of educational meetings with various UVA officials, Aaron Bowe, a nationally-known speaker on sexual assault prevention, and the student-led organization "One in Four," to have serious and substantive discussions about sexual assault prevention and bystander education strategies. Our members have also taken the "It's on Us" pledge, a nationally renowned initiative to promote awareness and prevention of sexual assault.

In the interim, we encourage any and all that have any information regarding these allegations, to contact the University of Virginia Police Department at (434) 924-7166 or Charlottesville Police Department at (434) 970-3280.

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Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity

The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is a 501(c)(7) association of men of integrity who strive to develop the individual in his intellect, in his involvement in the community and in his faith. Founded on February 19, 1852 at Jefferson College by William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore.