UBC fraternities called out for breaking COVID-19 guidelines in anonymous post

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – While many of us continue to take social distancing rules serious, some fraternities at UBC in Vancouver are being accused of ignoring provincial guidelines.

In a Facebook group called UBC Confessions, a post accuses those within Greek Life fraternities of flouting the rules and still holding parties, despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

The anonymous Facebook poster calls those taking part in the apparent events selfish, and begs them to stop partying.

“Your social exchanges aren’t more important than everyone’s health and most importantly, we’re privileged enough to have a relatively lenient semester when it comes to covid (sic),” the post reads, in part.

Some fraternities at UBC are being accused of flouting provincial guidelines and holding parties. This morning on @NEWS1130, we hear from the school about its expectations for students — both on and off campus. pic.twitter.com/SNh2ufTI8B

— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) October 16, 2020

It goes on to say that students are still able to meet up with friends “without the fear of bringing something back home” because everyone is doing their part to “be responsible.”

Matthew Ramsey, director of University Affairs, says frat houses are not on UBC property and are entirely separate from the school.

“That being said, in order to enhance community safety, the university works with all students and all student groups, including fraternities and sororities, to provide them with information about provincial guidelines, as well as safety procedures for events,” he tells NEWS 1130.

He says when it comes to the situation on the campus itself, there has been one incident at UBC where some students gathered outside a residence late at night and someone contacted the RCMP to disperse them.

“What campus security does is they patrol the campus to ensure that there are no large gatherings, and they will advise students that they see, then, to follow health guidelines. If the students do not do so, then RCMP will be called,” Ramsey explains.

He notes the school has been in communication with students “more than 250 times since February and March of this year.”

“We’ve been very clear of our expectations on their behaviour, and we expect them — whether they’re in fraternities, sororities, or just in the wider student body — to follow the rules,” Ramsey says, adding it’s not just about students’ safety, but for the safety of others, faculty, staff, and families.

“You need to be responsible, you need to be following the rules.”