West
‘Extreme’ hazing allegations force fraternity suspension, investigation at major US university
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The University of Colorado Boulder has suspended its Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter after receiving what officials describe as a “credible report” of hazing, prompting an immediate halt to all chapter activities.
According to the university, the initial report was received on Dec. 1 and formally logged with campus officials the next day. Since then, at least two additional anonymous reports alleging “extreme or severe hazing” have surfaced, CU Boulder said in a campus safety alert issued Thursday night.
No other details on the allegations were available.
The fraternity will remain suspended while the investigation proceeds. In the meantime, the university is urging anyone with information related to allegations of hazing, whether involving Phi Kappa Sigma or any other campus-affiliated organization, to submit a report through Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Safe2Tell, or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
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The CU Boulder campus is seen as officials probe hazing allegations that prompted the suspension of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)
A CU Boulder spokesperson underscored that the credible report triggered the interim suspension, but said the additional anonymous reports are also being reviewed.
“I want to make it clear that the university has received one credible report of hazing involving Phi Kappa Sigma, which has prompted the interim suspension,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “CU Boulder has also reported this to and is in communication with the Phi Kappa Sigma national organization.”
“Additionally, the university has received at least two other, anonymous reports of extreme or severe hazing this week,” the spokesperson continued. “We are seeking information about any instances of hazing involving CU Boulder students, including Phi Kappa Sigma and the anonymous reports, and are asking people to report information to Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.”
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The University of Colorado Boulder said one of its fraternities was suspended Thursday after receiving a “credible report” of hazing. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
The spokesperson added that privacy laws prevent the university from discussing case specifics, but emphasized that CU Boulder “takes all allegations seriously” and investigates them “to the fullest extent possible.” Hazing is prohibited under both Colorado state law and university policy.
Boulder Police also addressed the situation, noting that the department has no substantiated hazing reports in the city. A police spokesperson told Fox News Digital that since August, officers have taken three hazing reports involving CU Boulder fraternities on University Hill, all of which were investigated and either determined to be unfounded or closed.
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The University of Colorado Boulder announced it is investigating a “credible report” of hazing involving the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. (University of Colorado Boulder Police)
The department emphasized its ongoing relationship with the campus community, including assigning a liaison officer to every fraternity. Police encouraged anyone with information about possible criminal activity to contact Boulder Police at 303-441-3333.
Phi Kappa Sigma’s national headquarters also addressed the suspension.
“We will be partnering with the institution to investigate the alleged behaviors from our Chapter at the University of Colorado–Boulder. Phi Kappa Sigma does not tolerate hazing or hazing-like behaviors and will continue to strive to eradicate it from the Greek System,” the fraternity’s executive director said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Phi Kappa Sigma, known nationally as “the Skulls,” joined CU Boulder’s Interfraternity Council in spring 2022, according to the school’s website. The fraternity has described its values as centered on academic achievement, respectful conduct and strong brotherhood.
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The investigation remains ongoing.
CU Boulder said future updates will be posted on its alerts page. The safety alert also offered guidance to students on recognizing possible hazing, including coercion, unsafe or degrading activities, or tasks presented as mandatory for joining a group. The school encouraged students to trust their instincts, intervene only when safe and report concerns to campus authorities.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the school’s Phi Kappa Sigma chapter and CU Boulder Police for comment.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
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Montana
University of Montana introduces Bobby Kennedy as new head coach
The University of Montana has announced Bobby Kennedy as its 38th head coach, following the retirement of Bobby Hauck.
Athletic Director Kent Haslam introduced Kennedy at a press conference attended by a majority of the Montana Grizzlies team, who filled the Canyon Club to show their support.
Kennedy expressed gratitude to Hauck, with whom he had been living since August when he got to Missoula to coach Montana’s Wide Receivers, and emphasized his commitment to recruiting top talent across Montana, which has been an area for concern amongst Griz fans after the Bobcats have taken the majority of the top 10 players coming out of Montana the past few years..
“Trust me when I say this. We are going to recruit Montana,” Kennedy said. “It’s a priority for us to recruit the good players in this state and to be in every school and to have UM represented.”
Kennedy, who is taking on his first head coaching role, shared his enthusiasm and noted that he anticipates this being his final coaching job. He also plans to maintain the culture established by Hauck and intends to hire a special teams coach following Hauck’s departure.
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Kennedy’s high-energy approach is expected to be beneficial as Montana’s transfer portal opens soon. “I don’t know if you can tell but I am jacked. I am jacked. And I am ready,” he said. Kennedy will have to shift his attention to Montana’s tranfer portal opening later this week for a 15 day period and then continue winter conditioning before Spring football starts up again in April.
Nevada
Northern Nevada housing projects receive millions in state funding
Northern Nevada communities are expected to see expanded housing opportunities following Governor Joe Lombardo’s announcement of more than $64 million in statewide funding for attainable housing, with several projects and assistance programs focused on Reno, Fernley, Washoe County, Lyon County, and rural Nevada.
Part of the funding includes $750,000 approved for the Rural Nevada Development Corporation, which will provide homebuyer assistance across multiple Northern Nevada and rural counties. Eligible areas include Elko, Lander, White Pine, Humboldt, Pershing, Douglas, Mineral, Lyon, Storey, and Carson City, among others. The program is designed to help first-time and moderate-income buyers with down payments and closing costs, expanding access to homeownership in communities where housing options are limited.
Several housing developments were also approved to add both rental units and for-sale homes in Northern Nevada. In Reno, nearly $1.48 million was approved for the Hi-Way 40 project, which will bring 28 new rental homes to Washoe County. Another Reno-based project, Alpine Vista by Desert Wind Homes, received $4 million to support the development of 145 for-sale homes aimed at working families seeking attainable homeownership.
Additional funding will support new housing in surrounding communities. Formation Homes received $2.5 million to develop 54 for-sale homes across Sun Valley, Golden Valley, and Fernley in Washoe and Lyon counties. In Fernley, the Wilson Landing project was approved for $5 million to build 37 for-sale homes, expanding housing options in Lyon County as the region continues to grow.
State leaders say the investments are intended to help Northern Nevada communities keep pace with population growth while providing attainable housing options for local workers. Governor Lombardo has emphasized that increasing housing supply and expanding homeownership opportunities remain key priorities as Nevada works to ensure families have access to safe and affordable places to live.
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