Texas State Announces New Rules Following Death of Fraternity Pledge

Following the alcohol-related death of a fraternity pledge, Texas State University will announce new standards for Greek life.

A university task force recommended new rules after reviewing Texas State's Greek system, according to the Austin American-Statesman. University president Denise Trauth ordered that review and suspended all 31 Greek life chapters after Matthew Ellis, a 20-year-old business major from Humble, TX, was found dead the day after being initiated into Phi Kappa Psi in November. The fraternity is currently "closed" and no longer recognized by the university.
The task force recommended higher standards for new-member orientation, risk-reduction planning, limited attendance at events where there will be alcohol, updated training for chapter advisers and higher academic standards, according to the Statesman. Further details about the rules were not available at the time of publication.

According to an autopsy report obtained by the Statesman, Ellis' blood-alcohol level was 0.38, much more than the 0.08 legal limit for driving. Ellis' death comes just over a year after Jordin Taylor, also a 20-year-old student, was struck and dragged by a bus after leaving a frat party.

Officials told the Statesman that fraternity and sorority chapters that agree to the new rules could be reinstated by Thursday. The president and advisers of every Greek life chapter will have to meet with Greek Affairs staff to review and agree to these rules before being reinstated.
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