West Virginia University implements Greek life reforms after fatal hazing

The death of Nolan Burch in 2014 has led to significant administrative interventions regarding Greek life at West Virginia University. Burch, an 18-year-old freshman, died following a fatal hazing ritual conducted by the Gamma Phi chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Security footage showed Burch being led from a house blindfolded before being found unconscious. According to the Morgantown Police Department, his blood alcohol content was more than six times the legal limit after he was ordered to consume a bottle of whiskey.

In response to the incident and subsequent reports of sexual assault and substance abuse within fraternities, university leadership implemented strict measures. In 2018, then-President E. Gordon Gee imposed a six-month moratorium on most chapters within the Greek Council and established a task force to investigate the history of each fraternity and sorority. Gee stated that rather than shutting down Greek life entirely, the university would work with students and alumni to facilitate meaningful change.