Miami sanctions Sigma Nu for off-campus party
Kristen Hetland
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: Front Page
The Epsilon Nu chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity has been suspended for two semesters by Miami University after violating university alcohol and conduct policies.
The office of ethics and student conflict resolution found Sigma Nu responsible for violating Code of Student Conduct laws for the prohibited use of alcohol and engaging in disorderly conduct.
The violations are a result of the events of an off-campus date party at the end of the fall 2008 semester.
According to a release from the office of ethics and student conflict resolution, Sigma Nu's Dec. 6, 2008 party at the Golden Key Lounge required police assistance after a fight broke out between members of the fraternity and other bar patrons. Additionally, officers were called by the fraternity's bus driver who said members were "unruly and violent." The report also alleged Sigma Nu permitted the consumption of alcohol by underage members during the party.
Susan Vaughn, director of ethics and student conflict resolution, verified these statements.
According to Sigma Nu president R.J. Whittington, a Jan. 15 administrative hearing with the office of ethics and student conflict resolution found the fraternity responsible for the violations and put it on suspension for three semesters. Following an appeal, the suspension was reduced to two semesters.
Sigma Nu's advisor Wayne Staton said he disagrees with the suspension, as he said only one fraternity member was involved in the actions leading to the sanctions, which affect the entire fraternity.
"It is upsetting that the actions of a few individuals, which we don't endorse or approve, have affected the more than 90 members that are in Sigma Nu," Whittington said. "However, we are understanding of these members. They are still our brothers."
Sigma Nu will be on suspension with Miami University until Dec. 31. At that point, the fraternity will be reconsidered for recognition by the university after it has presented a comprehensive reorganization plan to the office of ethics and student confliction resolution and the Cliff Alexander office of fraternity and sorority life, Vaughn said.
The office of ethics and student conflict resolution found Sigma Nu responsible for violating Code of Student Conduct laws for the prohibited use of alcohol and engaging in disorderly conduct.
The violations are a result of the events of an off-campus date party at the end of the fall 2008 semester.
According to a release from the office of ethics and student conflict resolution, Sigma Nu's Dec. 6, 2008 party at the Golden Key Lounge required police assistance after a fight broke out between members of the fraternity and other bar patrons. Additionally, officers were called by the fraternity's bus driver who said members were "unruly and violent." The report also alleged Sigma Nu permitted the consumption of alcohol by underage members during the party.
Susan Vaughn, director of ethics and student conflict resolution, verified these statements.
According to Sigma Nu president R.J. Whittington, a Jan. 15 administrative hearing with the office of ethics and student conflict resolution found the fraternity responsible for the violations and put it on suspension for three semesters. Following an appeal, the suspension was reduced to two semesters.
Sigma Nu's advisor Wayne Staton said he disagrees with the suspension, as he said only one fraternity member was involved in the actions leading to the sanctions, which affect the entire fraternity.
"It is upsetting that the actions of a few individuals, which we don't endorse or approve, have affected the more than 90 members that are in Sigma Nu," Whittington said. "However, we are understanding of these members. They are still our brothers."
Sigma Nu will be on suspension with Miami University until Dec. 31. At that point, the fraternity will be reconsidered for recognition by the university after it has presented a comprehensive reorganization plan to the office of ethics and student confliction resolution and the Cliff Alexander office of fraternity and sorority life, Vaughn said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 9
Dr. Joel Merriman
posted 2/23/09 @ 12:45 PM EST
Its funny that in this article, the group denies responsibility, and the sorority accepts responsibility in the other article. However, all the comments are on the other article (nearing 40 already) about how they are being treated unfairly. (Continued…)
Angry parent
posted 2/23/09 @ 8:56 PM EST
Why are there different standards for fraternities and sororities? How can one justify Sigma Nu getting just one year yet the Tri-delts get two years? Both involved underage drinking! Tri-Delts need to appeal - their "crime" was no worse than that of the Sigma Nu's!
Gimme a Break
posted 2/27/09 @ 10:21 PM EST
Oh yes: a bar room brawl and acting "violent and unruly" out in public is a fine representation of your fraternity and Miami University. Give me a break! Whatever happened to taking personal responsibility for your actions? In both cases I doubt anyone was "forced" to do anything. (Continued…)
Math Homework
posted 8/03/09 @ 10:30 AM EST
"It is upsetting that the actions of a few individuals, which we don't endorse or approve, have affected the more than 90 members that are in Sigma Nu," - I can only agree with this. (Continued…)
walker
posted 8/26/09 @ 10:08 PM EST
"I am my brother's keeper." It seems someone in the chapter should have prevented this "one person" from fighting several bar patrons at once and causing such havoc on the bus. (Continued…)
Bill Friedline
posted 8/28/09 @ 10:01 AM EST
Let's see: Alcohol+youth+testosterone=stupidity. Are we still figuring this one out, people?
Pour a little booze into a boy and it won't be long before a steady stream of loud "wooooooohs", and "Yeeeeeeaaaahhhs", and "Dooooooods" begin to emerge. (Continued…)
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