Sigma Nu Fraternity In Hot Water Again — Old Dominion University Chapter Punished For Sexist Signs
Only two weeks after members of the Sigma Nu fraternity at the University of Central Florida were captured on video chanting gleefully about rape, a chapter of the social organization at Old Dominion University are facing disciplinary action for holding up sexually suggestive signs welcoming freshmen girls to campus.
According to NBC News, members of the Sigma Nu fraternity in Norfolk, Virginia have caused an outrage among students, families, and faculty members at the university for brandishing signs that have been interpreted as sexual and deeply sexist. The Old Dominion chapter of Sigma Nu hung white banners over the balcony railing of their fraternity house with messages like: “Rowdy and fun, hope your baby girl is ready for a good time,” “Freshman Daughter Drop Off — Go ahead and Drop Off Mom Too.”
As a result, the Sigma Nu chapter has been suspended indefinitely while the university investigates the inappropriate behavior.
Ellen Neufeldt, the vice president of Old Dominion University, released a statement condemning the actions of the Sigma Nu members saying, “Messages like the ones displayed yesterday by a few students on the balcony of their private residence are not and will not be tolerated.”
One freshman girl at ODU claimed she thought about returning home after seeing the sexist Sigma Nu signs, but was reassured by how outraged other students were.
But the sexually suggestive signs have caused an outcry outside of the university as well. Various social media sites have been circulating images of the Sigma Nu banners, while users take the opportunity to call out the fraternity for their repulsive behavior.
“We’re the driving force of college rape culture and we should be banned from campus” #ODU#RapeCulturepic.twitter.com/fob5fBXMkL
— Heather Pigg (@nerdbaitplus3) August 22, 2015
The executive director of the national headquarter for the Sigma Nu fraternity, Brad Beacham, also condemned the sexually suggestive signs.
According to WTKR, he released a statement on Monday saying “information received from the fraternity today indicates that some chapter members may have had involvement with the banners… Such language has no place in our Fraternity or within any caring community, such as that of ODU. Any Fraternity member found to be responsible for this reprehensible display will be held accountable by the Fraternity.”
A spokeswoman for Old Dominion University was grateful that the leaders of Sigma Nu were outwardly against this kind of behavior in their chapters.
“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.”
How would you react to the Sigma Nu fraternity signs if you saw them at your university?
[Image credit: Heather Pigg]
