The Pitt News
The independent student newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | April 9, 2018 | Volume 108 | Issue 144
PITT DANCERS MARATHON FOR KIDS GREEK LIFE ACTION PLAN PROPOSES CHANGES Christian Snyder Contributing Editor Following a nearly semester-long social probation, fraternities and sororities will be permitted to resume normal operations in the fall 2018 semester, but with a few changes. Pitt released a working action plan for Greek life last Monday in response to two offcampus events which occurred during the spring 2018 semester. The first, a student hospitalization following a Sigma Chi off-campus recruitment event, occurred in January. In February, a dozen students approached police with allegations of hazing against sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner barred all Greek organizations from serving alcohol through a modified social probation in JanuParticipants cheer at Saturday’s Pitt Dance Marathon, which raised more than $230,000 for the ary and said Student Affairs would be evalChildrens Miracle Network Hospitals. Thomas Yang VISUAL EDITOR uating the future of Greek life at Pitt. Now, paigns as well as donor drives. Money and medical treatments growing up, and with the announcement of the working acBriana Canady and Samuel raised through the event supported the I’ve come to know children who weren’t tion plan, Bonner said he believes “significant Weber Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, that fortunate, who struggled with dif- progress has been made.” The Pitt News Staff “I’m proud that the fraternity and sororan organization that raises money for ferent illnesses,” Cole, a senior environStudents in the Cost Sports Center ity community has embraced this process mental studies major, said. children’s hospitals. spent most of Saturday sweating — but and has been so engaged,” Bonner said in a At the start of the event, all the parAlexis Cole, the PDM fundraising not from running laps or drills. statement. “I’m confident we will have a plan director, said the event drew plenty of ticipants created a runway, standing on Instead, about 1,450 people danced to in place that helps to provide a safer environpeople from both inside and outside opposite sides of the field, as patients of top-40 hits over a period of 16 hours unment for our students.” of Greek life. She has participated in the Children’s Hospital ran through the der neon lights. Th e working action plan is available for PDM in the past and enjoyed that she crowd, smiling while everyone cheered These people were participants in the public review and comment until April 11, was helping children dealing with eat- and high-fived them. The Imagination Pitt Dance Marathon, one of several funand the fi nal plan will take effect for the fall ing disorders, genetic diseases and birth Project — a group of Pitt students who draising events held during Greek Week. 2018 semester. Greek organizations will redefects. She said staying on her feet for visit hospitals dressed as superheroes This year, the event started Saturday at 8 main on modifi ed social probation until the 16 hours — both as a dancer and as an and princesses — played with children a.m. and lasted until midnight. Dozens process is completed, according to spokespresent after the dancing started. organizer — was well worth it. of teams participating in the marathon The constantly changing lights and person Kevin Zwick. “I’ve always been super fortunate to collected funds from friends and family have had a childhood free of hospitals See PDM on page 4 See Greek Life on page 3 members through email and letter cam-