Watch CBS News

National Frat Suspends U-M Chapter Over Ski Resort Vandalism

DOVER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - The national fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu has ordered its chapter at the University of Michigan to suspend all activities indefinitely after its members caused extensive vandalism at a northern Michigan ski resort.

The Ann Arbor News says the national group told the chapter to halt meetings, recruiting and social activities.

The damage happened last weekend while fraternity members were at Treetops Resort in Otsego County's Dover Township near Gaylord.

Resort general manager Barry Owens says there was about $50,000 in damage to furniture, carpet, walls and ceilings.

University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald says members of several other fraternities and sororities were involved with damage at Treetops and at Boyne Highlands near Harbor Springs. He blames excessive drinking and calls it "an affront" to thousands of "respectful, hard-working students."

Fitzgerald said the university is "deeply disappointed" with those groups involved.

"This is not the behavior we expect of our students, regardless of where they may be or what they may be doing," Fitzgerald told WWJ's Beth Fisher Wednesday. "Our expectation is that these organizations and the individuals will certainly be held accountable for their actions."

Fitzgerald said the university expects the students to pay for all damages.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.