Miami sorority suspended for two years

OXFORD — Alpha Xi Delta at Miami University has dropped its appeal and will be suspended for two years for drunken behavior and damage to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati during the sorority’s spring formal.

The sorority pleaded “responsible” for violating the student code of conduct for prohibited use of alcohol and disorderly conduct, but not responsible for damage, theft and unauthorized use of property at an April 27 hearing, according to Miami. After a full hearing, the sorority was found responsible for all violations, university officials announced in a news release today, May 18.

The sorority appealed the decision to Miami’s appeals board May 7, but rescinded the appeal May 17, according to the university.

Alpha Xi Delta is accused of bringing in at least 50 containers of alcohol, public urination, attempting to steal alcohol, smoking in prohibited areas and other behaviors at its March 26 formal.

The chapter will be suspended through Aug. 20, 2012 and upon return must review members to determine who is qualified to re-establish the sorority at Miami.

“Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity supports the Zeta Nu Chapter’s decision to rescind its appeal of Miami University’s decision to suspend the chapter for two years,” the sorority’s national office said in a statement issued May 18. “The suspension is a reminder of the conduct and values we expect of our members and serves as a life lesson. Our sincere desire is that when Zeta Nu Chapter returns to campus in 2012, it will be with a membership fully dedicated to the values and mission of both Alpha Xi Delta and Miami University.”

Another sorority chapter at Miami, Pi Beta Phi, was suspended for one year for behavior at their spring formal, held at Lake Lyndsay Lodge in St. Clair Twp.

Miami can suspend Greek chapters for as little as one semester and up to five years. Discipline is decided on an individual basis and based on the nature of the offense, whether the organization has had past disciplinary action, their response to the situation and other factors.

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