Top Syracuse University Officials updated the community Monday about the incident involving a fraternity’s offensive videos that have resulted in outrage across campus and beyond. WAER’s Chris Bolt reports on what’s next after the Theta Tau chapter was expelled from campus.
The controversy around the Theta Tau fraternity has shaken the community for days … since last week when a video surfaced of a ceremony inside the fraternity with racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic language …as well as insults to people with disabilities and others. A second video followed with ore offensive conduct. Chancellor Kent Syrverud wanted to assure the community actions are going forward – both student discipline and campus improvements to address bias and tolerance. He expressed concern he’s heard from students, alumni, people connected with the Orange from far and wide. He knows the university has to balance rights with urgent cries for action.
“I believe in free speech and have had to stand up for it in very difficult circumstances in the past year. Free speech should be protected, and should especially be protected on a college campus. This behavior involves conduct, as well as speech, and that conduct is the reason this is part of the student judicial process.”
Charges have been leveled against 18 students for violating codes of conduct. And officials say the investigation is continuing – which could bring more charges against others. Vice President of Student Experience Dolan Evanovich indicated the kinds of conduct uncovered in the investigation.
“The code covers behavior, it covers harassment, it covers hazing. There are multiple offenses that could be brought into play, so there are multiple codes that have been violated and each of them has a discipline process associated with it and a disciplinary result associated with it.”
The penalties could result in suspension or expulsion. And can be appealed by the students.
Going forward … hearings are expected to be wrapped up within the next two weeks. But Syverud and others indicate plans for actions on issues outside Theta Tau, such as a review of the entire Greek system. Diversity and Inclusion Chair Barry Wells adds race relations between S-U and the larger Syracuse community.
“There’s been a history of disengagement that the University has had. I think the Chancellor has recognized based upon feedback he has gotten form members of the border community. Syracuse University needs to do better; it needs to engage. It needs to provide services that it can, particularly related to its academic disciplines, and to have our students more engaged with the community. And we look forward to do better with the community in the very near future.”
Various schools and colleges continue to have forums on issues brought up by the incident, giving students a chance to discuss and speak out. There’s also a community forum scheduled for Wednesday night.
