Virginia Commonwealth University reaches settlement in student’s hazing death

Virginia Commonwealth University pays practically $1 million to the household of a younger man who died after a 2021 fraternity hazing incident as a part of a latest settlement settlement.

The settlement with the household of Adam Oakes additionally requires the Richmond college to make further modifications to its fraternity and sorority life. The deal was permitted Friday by the Fairfax County Circuit Court, VCU introduced in a news launch.

“This is a blueprint to foster a safer and healthier community for students who are part of fraternities and sororities and to create a climate of respect and inclusion that is needed for academic success,” a joint assertion from the household and college stated.

A police investigation discovered that Oakes, a 19-year-old who had obtained a bid to the Delta Chi fraternity, was advised to drink a big bottle of whiskey in February 2021. The freshman from Loudoun County was discovered useless the following morning. The workplace of the chief health worker dominated Oakes’ death was attributable to alcohol poisoning. VCU expelled Delta Chi in June 2021.

“Adam was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, student and friend. He had a tremendous future ahead of him and his senseless death brought unspeakable pain and tragedy to all who knew him,” the joint assertion stated.

In addition to the $995,000 financial settlement, the settlement would require that VCU college students full 12 credit score hours and different eligibility necessities earlier than becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority. It will even prohibit alcohol at any exercise of any fraternity or sorority attended by new members, and tighten the principles for alcohol served or consumed at scholar group capabilities.

VCU will start the method of making a bodily memorial to Oakes on campus, and can designate Feb. 27 as an annual hazing prevention day and day of remembrance for Oakes. The settlement additionally incorporates a reporting requirement for information about scholar organizations discovered to be in violation of the code of conduct.

Delta Chi confronted self-discipline every of its final seven years on campus, in accordance with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Several former members of the fraternity have pleaded responsible or have been discovered responsible of misdemeanor hazing or misdemeanor serving alcohol to a minor in reference to the case, the newspaper has reported. None have obtained jail time.