The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at University of Idaho created a taskforce in response to the death of a Washington State University freshman after a fraternity party Nov. 12.
His death marked the fourth fraternity-related death in the past month across the U.S., according to a press release from the IFC on Nov. 13.
The group, called the Fraternity Social-Experience Taskforce, will work with students, staff, faculty, administrators and student organizations to address and combat high-risk alcohol consumption and hazing within the fraternity community, according to the release.
“The hopes are that the Taskforce can present some insights and recommendations to the IFC Executive Council about how to move forward in building a culture focused on health and human safety,” said James Trayford, IFC President.
Members of the taskforce should be formalized before Winter break and will consist of representatives from the IFC, Vandal Health Education, Moscow Police Department, Dean of Students Office and the Counseling and Testing Center.
“I think the Taskforce is a welcome and measured approach,” said Trayford. “Our community is receptive to change, especially when it has the potential to impact our community in a positive way. Our members care about each other, and our community is devoted to making sure each person experiencing the fraternity community has the best possible experience. This taskforce is focused on examining our current experience, and providing recommendations about how to improve it.”
The Argonaut will continue to follow the IFC Taskforce and provide updates as members are formalized.
Correction: This story has been corrected to state the WSU student died after the fraternity function.
Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @angelapalermo7