Sigma Nu Fraternity Suspends ODU Chapter Over Offensive Banners [VIDEO]

The Sigma Nu fraternity has suspended the Eta Chi chapter at Old Dominion University in Virginia pending an investigation into offensive banners that many felt were derogatory.

According to WTKR, the banners were hung outside of a 43rd St home during move-in day with sayings like:

• “Rowdy and Fun. Hope your baby girl is ready for a good time.”
• “Freshman daughter drop off.”
• “Go ahead and drop off mom too.”

In addition to being derogatory, Sigma Nu Executive Director, Brad Beachem called the language demeaning in a statement released earlier today:

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

The university also sent out a message regarding the incident:

Messages like the ones displayed yesterday by a few students on the balcony of their private residence are not and will not be tolerated. The moment University staff became aware of these banners, they worked to have them removed. At ODU, we foster a community of respect and dignity and these messages sickened us. They are not representative of our 3,000 faculty and staff, 25,000 students and our 130,000 alumni.

Ours is a community that works actively to promote bystander intervention and takes a stand denouncing violence against women. The “It’s on Us” video is just one example of ODU students’ leadership on this topic.

The school's Student Government Association also released a statement, as well as the ODU President, John R. Broderick:

Dear Colleague:

I am outraged about the offensive message directed toward women that was visible for a time on 43rd Street. Our students, campus community and alumni have been offended.

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.

A young lady I talked to earlier today courageously described the true meaning of the hurt this caused. She thought seriously about going back home.

But she was heartened, she explained, when she saw how fellow students were reacting to this incident on social media. She realized this callous and senseless act did not reflect the Old Dominion she has come to love.

The Student Government Association has recently developed the “Monarchs Raising Up” campaign educating our students on prevention of sexual and relationship violence, bystander intervention, and off-campus responsible behavior. Through video, online and in-person content, we layer education on these topics for all of our students throughout the year. All new freshman just received education this weekend on preventing discrimination and sexual assault in sessions we call “First Class.”

Here is a link to a video from our student leaders responding to this event–just one example of how Old Dominion University students take a stand every day in regards to respecting each other and promoting responsible behavior: https://youtu.be/NC72ruvRtdY

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.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick

Not all students—both male and female—were offended. Some just chalked it up to typical fraternity behavior, calling the banners a "joke" and "not that serious."

Even though there have been lectures, speakers, and plenty of educational resources put in place to prevent sexual assault and harassment, many seniors say they had no idea about these initiatives.

Do you believe the frat was out of line for the signs?

[via WTKR]