Adam Oakes was discovered dead on Feb. 27 in an off-campus residence.
A suspended fraternity at Virginia Commonwealth University might be banned for life when an investigation by the school decides the Greek organization was responsible for misconduct linked to the passing this year of a 19-year-old freshman, whose household alleges was the victim of an alcohol-fueled fatal hazing incident.
Officials in the university in Richmond announced this week they have tentatively advocated the permanent removal of the Delta Chi chapter but will hold off to the ban before an investigation by the school’s Department of Student Affairs is finish.
The Division of Student Affairs initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Delta Chi fraternity on Monday, according a statement in the school.
The college said it will proceed with plans to issue a life ban on Delta Chi if the allegations are shown to be responsible for Oakes’ passing.
Once full, the Department of Student Affairs report will be assessed by VCU’s Student Organization Conduct Committee, which will determine the fraternity’s destiny. VCU officials said they expect the school’s evaluation to be finished sometime this summer.
Oakes’ family welcomed the college’s probe.
“I’d love to say that after Adam’s death we can change the world and we can change the culture. But I have to believe realistically, you understand. This occurs in so many other states,” Oakes’ cousin, Courtney White, told ABC affiliate channel WRIC-TV at Richmond.
White and other relative allege that hazing between alcohol played a substantial part in Oakes’ departure after he received a bid to rush the fraternity.
Oakes was found unresponsive on Feb. 27 at an off-campus residence close to the university, according to the Richmond Police Department. Police have released few details on the investigation and results of an autopsy on Oakes haven’t been released.
VCU and the Delta Chi national chapter suspended the VCU Delta Chi chapter in the aftermath of Oakes’ death.
