Fraternity, Sorority Suspended From U-M For Roles In Resort Vandalism
ANN ARBOR (WWJ/AP) -- The University of Michigan has suspended the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity for four years from campus over mass vandalism on a ski trip in January at Treetops Resort in Gaylord.
Spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said that the university will also suspend the Sigma Delta Tau sorority for two years for failing to intervene to stop the damage estimated at $100,000.
"This process that we've completed is an accountability or a judicial process for student organizations," Fitzgerald said. "The university is continuing to use all possible means to hold individuals accountable as well and there is an ongoing Michigan State Police investigation."
The biggest disciplinary action is being taken against Sigma Alpha Mu, which has been suspended for four years. Fitzgerald said that the groups will have to make restitution to Treetops and the city of Gaylord while also undergoing training before being allowed back on campus.
"Their educational programs are involving bystander intervention programs and alcohol and other drug abuse, and sexual misconduct prevention," Fitzgerald said.
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Two other frats and two other sororities have been issued a written reprimand for vandalism at Boyne Highlands that same weekend.
Members of the campus community are condemning the events that took place Jan. 16 to 18 at Treetops and Boyne resorts, where students collectively caused nearly $125,000 in damage. They say the students' poor behavior reflects negatively on the entire university.
More than 120 fraternity and sorority members damaged 45 rooms at Treetops, leaving behind broken furniture, broken windows and tiles ripped from the ceiling. At Boyne, about 100 students damaged 12 individual condo units, leaving holes in drywall and stains all over the carpet.
Six national fraternity and sorority organizations suspended their chapters at the University of Michigan because of the vandalism. The national fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu was the first to act. It was followed by the Pi Kappa and Chi Psi fraternities and the Sigma Delta Tau, Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma sororities.
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