Six UTK Student Organizations Suspended on Reports of Unsafe Gatherings

Six student organizations at the University of Tennessee have been placed on suspension for reportedly not following health and safety guidelines put in place in the Student Code of Conduct, according to an email sent today to students by UT Chancellor Donde Plowman. The Division of Student Life made the decision to suspend the organizations.

“These organizations are not permitted to host social events, either virtually or in person, while under investigation,” Plowman said in her email. The six organizations, which were not identified in the email, may not host any group meetings in person, even if those meetings are not social in nature.

Plowman reiterated that the majority of students are doing what they can to take precautions to protect themselves and others, and to preserve the on-campus experience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will work together as Volunteers to protect our community,” Plowman wrote.

The Chancellor has cautioned previously that students could face penalties, up to and including expulsion, for flouting the university’s health guidelines.