The settlement with Adam Oakes‘ family, who died due to fraternity hazing in 2021, also compels Virginia Commonwealth University to make significant reforms to its fraternity and sorority life.
As part of a new settlement deal, Virginia Commonwealth University will pay roughly $1 million to the family of a young man who died due to a fraternity hazing event in 2021.
The deal with Adam Oakes’ family also compels the University of Richmond to make significant adjustments to its fraternity and sorority life. The Fairfax County Circuit Court authorized the transaction on Friday, according to a news release from VCU.
“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 statement from the family and university said.
A police investigation revealed that Oakes, a 19-year-old Delta Chi fraternity pledge, was instructed to consume a huge bottle of whiskey in February 2021. The next morning, the freshman from Loudoun County was discovered dead. The chief medical examiner’s office determined that Oakes died from alcohol poisoning. Delta Chi will be dismissed from VCU 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,” Friday’s statement said.
Aside from the $995,000 monetary settlement, the deal requires VCU students to complete 12 credit hours and other qualifying conditions before joining a fraternity or sorority. It would also prevent alcohol from being offered or consumed at any fraternity or sorority activity attended by new members and tighten the restrictions for alcohol supplied or consumed at student organization gatherings.
VCU will begin erecting a physical memorial to Oakes on campus, and the 27th of February will be designated as an annual hazing prevention day and day of remembrance for Oakes. The settlement also includes a duty to submit information regarding student groups that violate the code of conduct.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Delta Chi was disciplined for its past seven years on campus.
According to the publication, several former fraternity members have pled guilty or been convicted of misdemeanour hazing or misdemeanour supplying alcohol to a child in connection with the case. No one has been imprisoned.
