Home / Education / Greek Life Resumes at University of Chattanooga After FIRE Defends First Amendment Rights
Greek Life Resumes at University of Chattanooga After FIRE Defends First Amendment Rights
9 Sep
Summary
- University of Chattanooga suspends Greek Life activities after reports of sexual assault and hazing
- FIRE, a First Amendment organization, intervenes and accuses the university of violating students' rights
- University lifts suspension two days earlier than planned after review
In late August 2025, the University of Chattanooga (UTC) placed a temporary moratorium on all Greek Life activities, including chapter events, recruitment, and organizational activities. This decision came in response to numerous reports of crimes on campus since the start of the academic year, including four reports of drink spiking and one sexual assault, two of which were linked to UTC fraternities.
Additionally, the university was investigating an alleged hazing incident from October 2024 involving two fraternity pledges who lit themselves on fire. The investigation revealed a long list of other hazing activities, leading UTC to suspend the Kappa Sigma chapter involved.
However, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a First Amendment organization, intervened, expressing "alarm" at UTC's "guilt-by-association punishment" and accusing the university of violating students' rights to free expression and association. FIRE argued that the blanket suspension impacted a host of innocuous expressive activities protected by the First Amendment.
In response, UTC clarified that the pause only pertained to official Greek Life events and activities, not individual members' rights to socialize or engage in political speech. The university also lifted the suspension two days earlier than initially planned, citing a completed review.
UTC's Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Dr. Artanya Wesley, stated that the brief pause allowed the university to review policies and strengthen risk management practices, reaffirming the university's commitment to student safety and the valuable role of fraternities and sororities on campus.
