When Everyone Is Blamed, Are All Responsible? Defining the Legal Relationship Between North American Interfraternity Conference Fraternities/National Panhellenic Conference Sororities and Universities in Harassment Cases

A complex legal relationship exists between North American Interfraternity Conference fraternities/National Panhellenic Conference sororities and higher education institutions. This legal relationship has been defined for issues such as association rights and hazing, yet little research exists about this relationship in harassment cases. My review of scholarship and case law revealed that control and level of claim specificity are needed to define the relationship in instances of harassment. By understanding this legal relationship, both North American Interfraternity Conference fraternities/National Panhellenic Conference sororities and universities can continue to address harassment in higher education.