Perhaps given that my own school has a Greek life that is lackluster at best, I don’t think I’ll ever understand the thrill or enjoyment of Greek life. That being said, I figure it’s relevant to mention that my impression of Greek life has been predominantly shaped by what I hear of fraternities and sororities from other schools.
Let me say that I am perpetually disappointed by news regarding fraternities.
This past Friday, Sigma Nu of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, displayed three banners that hung off the balcony of their house located directly across the street from campus. The first sign read, “Rowdy and Fun, hope your baby girl is ready for a good time…” with the letters “O,” “D” and “U” highlighted in blue.
As if this kind of message and behavior is supposed to represent the Old Dominion student body.
The next sign reads, “Freshman daughter drop off,” paired with a giant arrow pointing down towards the front door. The third and final sign states, “Go ahead and drop off Mom too…”
The house featured in the photo matches the house on the fraternity chapter’s Instagram account which has been made private. According to WTKR, the three signs have been taken down by request of Old Dominion campus police.
Yet another sexist message broadcasted by a fraternity! In America? Well, that’s never happened before. Please excuse me while I fight the urge to puke and roll my eyes until they both fall out.
Students began to take notice and took to Twitter to express their disgust and horror towards their banners.
“We’re the driving force of college rape culture and we should be banned from campus” #ODU#RapeCulturepic.twitter.com/fob5fBXMkL
— Heather p. (@nerdbaitplus3) August 22, 2015
The university’s president, R. Broderick, sent a letter to the campus community following the removal of the banners. His letter was later posted to Facebook. He wrote:
“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
President”
In addition, the Old Dominion University released a video on Saturday further condemning the banners.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC72ruvRtdY&w=640&h=360]
Yesterday, Sigma Nu’s national office sent a letter to the university stating that the activities of the local chapter were being suspended pending the outcome of an investigation. The executive director of Sigma Nu, Brad Beacham, acknowledges that Sigma Nu members may have been responsible.
“May have been responsible?” Beacham, I think we know it’s abhorrently clear that Sigma Nu members were absolutely involved with these sexist banners. However, the reaction of the Old Dominion University student body warms my heart. I’m glad we’re condemning Sigma Nu’s horrendous banners and behavior and not defending it. We do need to have a society where these kinds of banners do not go up in the first place. Condemnation is great, but let’s nip this sh*t in the bud, all right?
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[Lead image via]
