KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Officials with the University of Tennessee said that six student organizations were placed on interim suspension Wednesday, after receiving reports that they held large gatherings.
On Thursday, the university identified the organizations as Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha and Chi Omega.
While under investigation, the organizations are not allowed to host social events — either virtually or in-person. They are also not allowed to host any group meetings in person, even if those events are not social in nature, officials said.
The gatherings endangered the health, safety or welfare of others, according to a release from UT officials. By holding the gatherings, officials said that the organizations did not comply with the Student Code of Conduct.
They also said the gatherings violated the university's COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for events held both on-campus and off of it.
On Aug. 18, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman said that the university won't hesitate to expel irresponsible students who hold large gatherings. She said that students need to act with compassion and consideration for others, and must follow all precautions for social distancing.
On Monday, officials said that four students will face disciplinary action for not following COVID-19 safety guidelines. Three of the students hosted off-campus parties with no social distancing or consistent mask use. The fourth student knew they were positive for COVID-19 but left isolation to gather with other students off-campus.