Suffolk County District Attorney Ralph Martin announced today that the grand jury "returned two indictments against the local chapter of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity... one count of manslaughter and one count of hazing." Mr. Martin, in a news release, said it marks "the first time in my memory that the hazing statute has been applied against a fraternity in Massachusetts. It also marks the first time, to our knowledge, that a fraternity has been charged with manslaughter anywhere." He did not release any details.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 17 -- MIT's Dean of Students and Undergraduate Education, Professor Rosalind Williams, today issued this statement following the announcement of the grand jury action.
"The loss of any life to dangerous drinking causes anguish for classmates, schools, communities and most of all for families. Scott Krueger's death has focused attention across the country on dangerous drinking and its consequences.
"If such a death could occur at MIT, it could happen anywhere. Dangerous drinking is a problem that needs to be addressed on many fronts and by all concerned. MIT recognizes that it -- in fact all colleges and universities -- together with students, parents, and community leaders have a responsibility to teach young people about the risks of dangerous drinking.
"Throughout the past year, MIT has cooperated with the Suffolk County District Attorney's investigation into the death of Scott Krueger and we will continue to do so as the charges against the fraternity are adjudicated.
"The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, at which Scott Krueger was drinking before he died, is no longer active at MIT. MIT disciplinary actions, if any, in this matter will not be considered until the criminal process has been completed.
"This past year has been one of introspection and redoubled efforts by the MIT community to deal with the problem of dangerous drinking. The steps MIT has taken, and will take demonstrate our ongoing commitment to deal with this national problem."
