THE OFFICE for Student Affairs (OSA) has suspended the recognition of all fraternities, sororities and “similar organizations” for next academic year, following the hazing death of UST law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.
In a memorandum released on Monday, OSA directed fraternities and sororities to indefinitely “cease and desist” from recruiting members or “engaging in any kind of activities.”
LOOK: Office for Student Affairs suspends accreditation of all fraternities and sororities in the University beginning Academic Year 2018 to 2019 in light of the hazing death of UST law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo III. pic.twitter.com/Z8CqZilYZc
— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) May 22, 2018
The memorandum likewise prohibited students from joining fraternities, sororities and unrecognized student organizations pursuant to the University’s Code of Conduct and Discipline.
“[The suspension is in] light of the recent incident involving the hazing death of a law student and in keeping with the duty of the University to take proactive steps to protect the students from the danger of participating in activities that will involve hazing,” the memorandum read.
In April, the student affairs office released a memorandum suspending the accreditation of new student organizations in the University for the next academic year.
READ: OSA suspends accreditation of new student organizations
The memorandum required organizations that were not accredited last year and seeking recognition this year to submit a letter explaining why they should be accredited.
Central Student Council (CSC) President-elect Francis Santos said he had met with Student Affairs Director Ma. Soccorro Guan Hing and suggested that the CSC accommodate new organizations as committees or subcommittees.
“The decision of OSA all the more demands the passage of the Students’ Code so that our rights that were affected by this decision will be protected,” Santos told the Varsitarian in an online interview.
According to the University Student Handbook, student organizations may be formed upon application for recognition with the OSA, which may be renewed every year.
