A Virginia university fraternity has been suspended after hanging up bed sheets outside its house asking parents to “drop-off” their freshman daughters.
Sigma Nu’s national organisation has stopped the fraternity’s activities at Old Dominion University (ODU), in Norfolk, while an investigation is carried out into the “sexually suggestive” banners at the off-campus house.
The banners, made from bed sheets and hung outside the property on Friday, also included a lewd message saying “go ahead and drop off mom too”.
Photographs of the banners were quickly spread over social media, before the bed sheets were removed.
John Broderick, president of ODU, released a letter condemning the banners – saying people were “offended”.
He said: “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.
“I said at my State of the University address that there is zero tolerance on this campus for sexual assault and sexual harassment.
“Any student found to have violated the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.”
Brad Beacham, Sigma Nu Fraternity executive director, said: “Sigma Nu Fraternity has suspended the activities of the Eta Chi Chapter at Old Dominion University pending completion of an investigation into offensive banners displayed from an off-campus, privately-owned property near the ODU campus last week.
“The fraternity condemns the derogatory and demeaning language used on 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.”