RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Commonwealth University will pay nearly $1 million to the family of a man who died in 2021 after a fraternity hazing incident.
According to a news release, the university and the family of Adam Oakes reached an agreement that will help make changes to fraternity and sorority life on campus in hopes of becoming a “national model,” for the other universities and colleges in the United States.
The Fairfax County Circuit Court on Friday approved the agreement that will also provide the Oakes family with a settlement of $995,000 which will come from the university and the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to the news release.
According to The Associated Press, a police investigation in February 2021 found that Oakes, 19, was told to drink a large bottle of whiskey after he got a bid to the Delta Chi fraternity. He was found dead the morning after. According to the AP, the chief medical examiner found that Oakes’ death was caused by alcohol poisoning. VCU expelled Delta Chi months later in June 2021.
“Adam was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, student and friend. He had a tremendous future ahead of him and his senseless death brought unspeakable pain and tragedy to all who knew him,” the Oakes family and Virginia Commonwealth University said in the news release.
Other details from the agreement per the news release include:
- Students will be required to successfully complete at Virginia Commonwealth University before joining a fraternity or sorority.
- February 27 will be designated as an annual hazing prevention day as well as a day of remembrance of Adam Oakes.
- A licensed third-party vendor will be required if alcohol is to be consumed or served at an event sponsored, endorsed or organized by a student organization.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch per the AP, several former members of Delta Chi have pleaded guilty or were found guilty of hazing or serving alcohol to a minor in relation to the case. Both are misdemeanors. None of them have gotten any jail time.
More information can be found on the VCU website.
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