American University disciplined 19 students who they said were associated with an “underground student group” accused of involvement in hazing, underage drinking, physical violence and sexual assault.
Underground or "rogue" off-campus groups acting as substitutes for traditional fraternities and sororities are a focus for colleges and universities across the country, NBC News reported.
Last month, Washington, D.C.'s American University expelled 18 students associated with one so-called underground fraternity, Epsilon Iota, citing "a threat to the safety and well-being of our students."
"I think it's unheard of," said Hank Nuwer, a journalism professor at Indiana's Franklin College, who has written books on hazing. "I really can't tell you any other [school] that has done that."
Recent deaths linked to hazing at traditional Greek life groups at Penn State and Louisiana State University have renewed attention on a long-standing issue. But hazing in off-campus groups presents another challenge.
