A fraternity at Old Dominion University in Virginia has been suspended after it displayed sexually suggestive banners aimed at the parents of new female students.
The banners, thought to have been hung by members of the Sigma Nu fraternity, included statements such as: “Hope your baby girl is ready for a good time”, “Freshman daughter drop off” and “Go ahead and drop off mom too”.
The national Sigma Nu fraternity has since suspended the activities of its chapter at ODU, pending an investigation into the incident.
In a statement shared on the university’s Facebook page, Brad Beacham, executive director of the fraternity, called the signs “derogatory and demeaning”, adding: “Any fraternity member found to be responsible for this reprehensible display will be held accountable by the fraternity.
“The fraternity will remain in close communication with ODU administrators throughout its investigation and review,” he said.
The signs drew condemnation on social media:
what a terrible way to rep odu...... pic.twitter.com/kUsxmOWJNZ
— دليا (@dbaqe2013) August 22, 2015
@nerdbaitplus3 Wow what total morons.. and on the first day.. my god.. i do hope they eject those responsible and park the frat on susp
— Schuey (@schufirefly) August 25, 2015
The university’s student government association released a statement criticising the incident: “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.”
In a letter to staff and students, John R Broderick, president of Old Dominion University, said it has zero tolerance for sexual harassment. “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.
“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.”
He said that sessions on preventing discrimination and sexual assault had been given to all new students at the weekend. He added that the student government association had recently developed a campaign “educating our students on prevention of sexual and relationship violence, bystander intervention, and off-campus responsible behaviour”.
He said: “Through video, online and in-person content, we layer education on these topics for all of our students throughout the year.”
The university has also released a video condemning the banners.
