Sigma Nu Fraternity Suspends Old Dominion Chapter for Offensive, Sexually Suggestive Banners
ByAfter displaying sexually suggestive and offensive signs outside its house, Old Dominion University's (ODU) chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity has found itself suspended.
The Sigma Nu national office announced the suspension of its Eta Chi chapter at ODU on Monday. The fraternity did not specify the term of the suspension, but indicated that would be determined by an investigation.
According to WTKR, ODU fraternity hung three banners from a second-story terrace of the off-campus house. Photos of the messages circulated across the Internet over the weekend, The Huffington Post reported.
"The Fraternity condemns the derogatory and demeaning language used on the banners," Brad Beacham, the Sigma Nu fraternity's executive director for the national organization, said in a statement. "Such language has no place in our Fraternity or within any caring community, such as that of ODU. Any Fraternity member found to be responsible for this reprehensible display will be held accountable by the Fraternity."
WTKR has Beacham's full statement here.
Michael Faust, ODU's Interfraternity Council president told The Huffington Post several fraternity members were responsible for the banners, despite what the Sigma Nu national office initially stated on Saturday.
"This was an embarrassing, unacceptable action that the general Greek community strongly denounces," Faust said. "The actions of these few fraternity members do not represent the values that they pledged to uphold. The Interfraternity Council's judicial board will review this incident."
Both ODU's president, John R. Broderick, and Student Government Association publicly condemned the banners.
"While we constantly educate students, faculty and staff about sexual assault and sexual harassment, this incident confirms our collective efforts are still failing to register with some," Broderick said in a statement posted to ODU's Facebook page. "I said at my State of the University address that there is zero tolerance on this campus for sexual assault and sexual harassment. This incident will be reviewed immediately by those on campus empowered to do so. Any student found to have violated the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action."