Three Boise State fraternities, several students placed on interim suspensions

BOISE, Idaho — Boise State University has placed three fraternities and several students on interim suspensions after learning about large gatherings that violated university policies, according to a news release from the university. Classes at Boise State started on August 24.

The university policy is designed to protect the local community from COVID-19. Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi and Kappa Sigma fraternities, and 18 individual students both from within and outside of the fraternities, were notified of the interim suspensions on August 28.

The news release said the Dean of Students office will conduct investigations into each of the cases over the next several weeks. Boise State is adhering to federal, state and local rules and guidelines related to public gatherings, facial coverings and infection prevention.

“Keeping campus open, safe and healthy has been our top concern, and we have educated our students about the risks associated with large gatherings. This included specific communication with students in our fraternities and sororities,” said Chris Wuthrich, dean of students. “The majority of our students are doing what is required of all of us — wearing facial coverings, practicing physical distancing and not planning or participating in large gatherings. But, in order to remain open, we must have the cooperation of all of our students. Students who do not comply with university policies and orders will face sanctions, including removal from campus.”

BSU has taken steps to monitor the virus on campus, including rolling out a daily symptom tracker phone app, hiring public health officers and maintaining a robust contact tracing program. All faculty and staff are completing mandatory training and all students have been asked to watch a safety video and pledge to do their part to keep campus healthy and open.