A Dartmouth College sorority along with two of its fraternity members are facing charges after a tragic incident this summer where a student drowned. The student, identified as 20-year-old Won Jang from Middletown, Delaware, went missing in July after attending an off-campus party thrown by the Alpha Phi sorority, as reported by CBS News. Subsequent search efforts by state and local emergency teams located Jang's body in the Connecticut River.
Last Friday, Hanover, New Hampshire police charged Alpha Phi with a count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. In addition, two members from Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, of which Jang was a member, are accused of providing alcohol to minors. According to WCVB, most party attendees were under 21, and a decision by several attendees to swim in the river followed the event. However, when an untimely rainstorm hit, the crowd dispersed, leaving Jang behind, who, as per family members, could not swim.
Alpha Phi sorority and Beta Alpha Omega fraternity have both been suspended by Dartmouth College in the aftermath of the incident, and the suspensions are still in place. The college released a statement emphasizing the importance of responsibility and community within its Greek organizations. "Dartmouth has long valued the contributions that Greek organizations bring to the student experience, when they are operating within their stated values and standards," the college said. "These organizations, as well as all Dartmouth students and community members, have a responsibility to ensure Dartmouth remains a safe, respectful, equitable, and inclusive community for students, faculty, and staff," as per WCVB.
Attempts to reach representatives from Alpha Phi for comments have been unsuccessful. This incident has raised serious questions about the role of Greek life on campus and the measures in place to ensure student safety during social events.
