UST suspends fraternities and sororities for SY 2018-2019

The University of Sto. Tomas (UST), through the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), has suspended all fraternities and sororities in the campus for Academic Year 2018 - 2019.

LOOK: Office for Student Affairs suspends accreditation of all fraternities and sororities in the University beginning Academic Year 2018 to 2019 in light of the hazing death of UST law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo III. pic.twitter.com/Z8CqZilYZc

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) May 22, 2018

In a memorandum signed by OSA Director Ma. Socorro S. Guan Hing, which was posted on the The Varsitarian Twitter account, the directive was implemented "In light of the recent incident involving the hazing death of a law student and in keeping with the duty of the University to take proactive steps to protect the students from the danger pf participating in activities that will involve hazing."

"Accordingly, all fraternities, sororities or similar organizations are directed to cease and desist from recruiting students or engaging in any kind of activities," the director said.

"All students are likewise directed not to join fraternities, sororities or any unrecognized student organizations pursuant to the Code of Conduct and Discipline."

UST law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo, 22, died of severe blunt traumatic injuries after undergoing hazing.

His death reignited discussions on hazing, triggered a Senate probe, and led to the expulsion of eight law students of the University of Santo Tomas. — BAP, GMA News