RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Commonwealth College can pay almost $1 million to the household of a younger man who died after a 2021 fraternity hazing incident as a part of a current settlement settlement.
The settlement with the household of Adam Oakes additionally requires the Richmond college to make extra modifications to its fraternity and sorority life. The deal was permitted Friday by the Fairfax County Circuit Courtroom, VCU introduced in a information launch.
“This can be a blueprint to foster a safer and more healthy group for college students who’re a part of fraternities and sororities and to create a local weather of respect and inclusion that’s wanted for educational success,” a joint assertion from the household and college stated.
A police investigation discovered that Oakes, a 19-year-old who had obtained a bid to the Delta Chi fraternity, was advised to drink a big bottle of whiskey in February 2021. The freshman from Loudoun County was discovered useless the subsequent morning. The workplace of the chief health worker dominated Oakes’ loss of life was brought on by alcohol poisoning. VCU expelled Delta Chi in June 2021.
“Adam was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, pupil and good friend. He had an amazing future forward of him and his mindless loss of life introduced unspeakable ache and tragedy to all who knew him,“ Friday’s assertion stated.
Along with the $995,000 financial settlement, the settlement would require that VCU college students full 12 credit score hours and different eligibility necessities earlier than becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority. It should additionally prohibit alcohol at any exercise of any fraternity or sorority attended by new members, and tighten the principles for alcohol served or consumed at pupil group capabilities.
VCU will start the method of making a bodily memorial to Oakes on campus, and can designate Feb. 27 as an annual hazing prevention day and day of remembrance for Oakes. The settlement additionally incorporates a reporting requirement for details about pupil organizations discovered to be in violation of the code of conduct.
Delta Chi confronted self-discipline every of its final seven years on campus, in accordance with the Richmond Occasions-Dispatch.
A number of former members of the fraternity have pleaded responsible or had been discovered responsible of misdemeanor hazing or misdemeanor serving alcohol to a minor in reference to the case, the newspaper has reported. None has obtained jail time.
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