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University of Mary Washington President Richard Hurley has placed a hold on the consideration of establishing a Greek system on the Fredericksburg campus in the wake of violent sexual assault allegations at a University of Virginia fraternity.

In a university-wide e-mail sent late Monday afternoon, Hurley said now is not the time for UMW to move forward on allowing Greek-letter social fraternities and sororities. He placed a moratorium on consideration of establishing a Greek Life system.

Hurley began by recognizing that “much of the current national attention has focused on the role of Greek life organizations within university communities.”

And while sexual assault incidents are not limited to fraternities, “some institutions are placing restrictions on the activities of these organizations or even disbanding them,” he said.

Hurley said he is determined that UMW will use its “expertise” and “fundamental attributes” when considering issues of sexual assault.

He announced a 15-person task force made up of six professors, three students and other UMW staff.