Old Dominion University Suspends Fraternity Over Lewd Banners

CLARIFICATION: The banners were hung from a private house belonging to the Sigma Nu fraternity at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

__________________

What a way to start the school year. In scenes straight out of “Animal House,” a fraternity has been suspended at Old Dominion University after hanging lewd banners from their fraternity house.

The signs displayed at the frat house on 43rd Street in Norfolk, Va., displayed these messages, seen in a post on Facebook that quickly went viral:

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

The messages were likely the last thing that any parents wanted to see, already nervous about dropping off their freshmen students.

Brad Beacham, the executive director of Sigma Nu’s national headquarters said in a statement Monday that “information received by the fraternity today indicates that some chapter members may have had involvement with the banners.”

The Sigma Nu chapter at ODU has been suspended while the school investigates the incident, Beacham said. “Any fraternity member found to be responsible for this reprehensible display will be held accountable by the fraternity,” he added.

ODU praised the national fraternity’s actions. “We thank the national organization of Sigma Nu for partnering with Old Dominion University in making a strong statement that the behavior of a few student members will not be tolerated, by announcing the suspension of their local chapter’s activities,” said school spokeswoman, Giovanna M. Genard.

The ODU president, John Broderick, said in an announcement that “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.

In addition, the University ensures all students receive education on the prevention of sexual harassment and relationship violence.

Any student found to have violated the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.”

ODU’s Student Government Association also condemned the banners:

“An incident occurred this weekend that does not reflect the University’s commitment to the prevention of Sexual Assault and Dating Violence. Not only do these actions taken by a few individuals undermine the countless efforts at Old Dominion University to prevent sexual assault, they are also unwelcoming, offensive, and unacceptable,” said Chris Ndiritu, President of the Student Government Association.

ODU President John Broderick also issued a statement to staff and students:

“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”