Greek Life Resumes At UVA With New Rules

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WJZ) -- A ban on Greek life at the University of Virginia has been lifted, but not without some new rules designed to make fraternities and sororities safer.

Mary Bubala has the details.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan gave fraternities and sororities the green light to start back up, but not without some conditions.

Each of the four Greek organizations came up with their own regulations, which Sullivan has reviewed and approved.

There are new agreements that each fraternity and sorority has to sign before they are allowed to hold social events again.

The goal? Safer Greek life after their practices came into questions during the fallout from the Rolling Stone article.

"Yeah, I think it would help to have a couple of new rules just to control it," says one student.

"I think the university getting involved isn't a bad thing," another student said.

The new rules for fraternities include: three sober brothers must be at each party, a sober brother at the stairs with access to upstairs rooms.

"I definitely think it would help like keep risk, more control of the party if you have sober people."

Some students feel the idea is a good one, whether or not it's effective remains to be seen.

"I mean, it makes sense. I don't know how much of a difference it would make, but I think it's a good rule."

There will be new regulations on different types of alcohol and where and how they can be served.

Each sorority or fraternity has to complete education programs on hazing, sexual assault prevention, and active bystander intervention. So do students think that will work?

"I mean of course if you go and learn about it and go and sit down for an hour and watch something that could help you learn, I think it would be a great idea."

President Sullivan says this is just the beginning, she plans to evaluate the new safety measures and see how they are working during the semester.