Maryland
New court docs in the University of Maryland trial details graphic accounts of fraternity hazing
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — New court documents released Friday detail some of the alleged hazing at the University of Maryland’s Greek life. This comes directly after the university lifted its temporary pause on 32 Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (PHA) chapters.
Although 32 chapters have been cleared to return to normal activities, five fraternity chapters still remain under investigation. According to the university’s letter sent Friday, these chapters will stay under limited restrictions based on evidence that the incidents threatened the health and safety of the campus community.
MORE INFO: Suspension lifted: 32 IFC and PHA chapters cleared for normal activities at UMD
Inside court document filed by the Attorney General’s Office, members of at least eight fraternities reported that new members had been subjected to humiliation tactics ranging from physical assault to being forced to consume alcohol.
In the brief, one anonymous report to the university’s Office of Student Conduct details one member suffering physical abuse for five hours straight during a “Line Up,” where new members are assaulted, forced into doing physical activity such as wall sits, planks, and push-ups, intentionally harm themselves, and be undressed for public humiliation.
The same email also alleges multiple unidentified fraternities engaging in hazing activities that include new members being burned with cigarettes and torches, laying on nails, and being “forced to consume things that are not food,” such as live fish, chewing tobacco, and urine.
In the same court filings, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown acknowledged that the university’s removal of the suspension on fraternity and sorority activities rendered the case moot.
READ MORE: Students to file for temporary restraining order against UMD administrators amid Greek Life activity ban
Brown further explains that “the University was fully authorized pursuant to its Code of Student Conduct to impose limited, temporary restrictions on some chapter activities while it investigated serious and persistent allegations of hazing and alcohol abuse at multiple chapters.”
A hearing will be held on March 18 for the temporary restraining order brought by University of Maryland fraternities and their members against top school administrators.
In Maryland, residents can find parades, concerts, history programs, fireworks, volunteer opportunities and family-friendly celebrations leading up to Independence Day.
America250, the national semiquincentennial initiative, is encouraging communities to take part through local commemorations, block parties, service projects and July 4 events. State and local commissions, historical societies, museums, libraries, parks departments and civic groups are also hosting events tied to the milestone.
Open primaries advocate Jeremy Gruber says nearly 100,000 independent voters in D.C. remain locked out of primary elections despite voters overwhelmingly approving open primaries in 2024. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he blames the D.C. Council for refusing to fund the change and says similar efforts are gaining momentum in Maryland, where more than one million independents are also excluded from primaries. Gruber argues that in many one-party jurisdictions, the primary is effectively the election, making voter access even more critical.
Maryland
Federal Disaster Declaration Issued Following April Freeze: New Resources Available for Maryland Agricultural Producers – Washington County
This federal designation makes critical financial assistance available to agricultural producers who experienced significant crop losses due to the sudden freeze. The event caused extensive damage to perennial crops across Maryland, with losses exceeding the 30 percent threshold required for a federal disaster declaration. Many growers are now facing substantial expenses related to crop recovery, plant health, labor, and ongoing maintenance despite having little to no harvestable yield this season.
In addition to freeze-related impacts, many areas of the state continue to experience prolonged drought conditions, further increasing the financial challenges facing Maryland’s agricultural community.
As a result of the disaster declaration, producers in Washington County and 11 other designated primary counties, as well as eligible contiguous counties, may qualify for low-interest emergency loans and other assistance programs through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). These resources are intended to help producers recover losses, maintain operations, and support the long-term viability of Maryland agriculture.
Affected producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible to discuss available assistance programs and begin the application process.
The assessment of agricultural losses in additional Maryland counties remains ongoing. Additional information, resources, and updates are available through the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Washington County remains committed to supporting our agricultural community and encourages producers impacted by the freeze event to explore the assistance programs available through this federal disaster declaration.
Click here to view Governor Wes Moore’s announcement.
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