Morgantown police responded early Wednesday to an incident at West Virginia University involving Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity members who reportedly beat and stuffed another person into the trunk of a car.
University officials issued a statement Wednesday saying they are aware of the matter and that the Office of Student Conduct will review the incident. Roy Baker, director of Greek life on campus, contacted the fraternity's national chapter following the incident and appropriate action would be taken when all facts are known, school officials said.
Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston told MetroNews that charges are pending against seven men involved in the incident. He said witnesses reported the fraternity members restrained a man with duct tape and stuffed him into the trunk of a car. Police determined the incident was part of a fraternity prank.
WVU recently hired Baker to oversee the 28 fraternities and sororities on campus in an effort to change the culture surrounding Greek life.
Last year, Greek life at the university was suspended when first-year student and Kappa Sigma pledge Nolan Burch, 18, died two days after he suffered a "catastrophic medical emergency" at a pledging ceremony. It was later discovered Burch's blood-alcohol level that night was 0.493, which is well above what health officials consider lethal.
Burch's family is suing the university and the fraternity for negligence. They allege the university knew of troubles with the fraternity before Burch's death.
Other incidents last year led to a four-month moratorium on Greek social events.