UVA Frat At Center Of Debunked ‘Rolling Stone’ Rape Article Reinstated

After receiving guidance from local police, the University of Virginia (UVA) has reinstated the fraternity at the center of the now widely discredited Rolling Stone article about a gang rape that occurred on campus.

“We welcome Phi Kappa Psi, and we look forward to working with all fraternities and sororities in enhancing and promoting a safe environment for all,” Teresa A. Sullivan, the president of the university, said in a statement.

Late last year, an article in Rolling Stone reported about the plight of a woman identified only as “Jackie.” She said that she was gang raped in 2012 at the fraternity. In response to those allegations, the university suspended all fraternities through the end of the year and contacted Charlottesville police to request a formal investigation.

The story sparked outrage among many people, especially feminists who argue that rape is more of a widespread problem than many people are willing to accept.

However, once the article was scrutinized by other media sources, certain details began to fall apart. After further investigation by Rolling Stone, managing editor Will Dana published a note to readers that read as follows: “In the face of new information, there now appear to be discrepancies in Jackie’s account, and we have come to the conclusion that our trust in her was misplaced.”

Capt. Gary Pleasants is the spokesman for the Charlottesville police. He said that there is still an ongoing investigation about Jackie’s claims, but that the fraternity could be reinstated.

“We just agreed with UVA that Phi Kappa Psi could be reinstated,” he said.

Last week, Sullivan authorized addenda on alcohol use by fraternities that bans kegs of beer and pre-made mixes of liquor and punch. The motive behind the addenda is to prevent the service of those types of drinks to women, who might lose capacity and be more susceptible to sexual assault.

“In today’s 24-hour news cycle, we must guard against a rush to judgment as we often don’t have all of the facts in front of us,” Stephen Scipione, president of the Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, said in a statement.

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UVA Frat At Center Of Debunked ‘Rolling Stone’ Rape Article Reinstated