Sigma Alpha Mu to be disbanded at Michigan

Submitted by The Mad Hatter on

From The Daily.

http://www.michigandaily.com/news/sigma-alpha-mu-disbanded-international-board-following-ski-trip

The University’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu was suspended and permanently closed by the fraternity’s international board of directors following its participation in a January ski trip that resulted in property damages valued at more than $250,000.

BuckNekked

March 17th, 2015 at 6:30 PM ^

Bankrupt or not is completely irrelevant. This is a serious crime. It pales in comparison to rape or murder but property damage at this level is not something to be overlooked or minimized. The young men who have committed this crime show a serious lack of judgement and control at best and at worst a blatant disregard for the welfare of others. Either way they are a threat to society and thier brothers should have turned them in.

PeterKlima

March 17th, 2015 at 8:46 PM ^

Assessment of its seriousness. Just because the public outcry demands immediate action doesn not mean the acts are more serious in themselves. If this was not a socioeconomic hot button issue (rich privileged kids versus rural community), and it involved local Gaylord kids destroying things it would be as serious as the civil liability.




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Mr Miggle

March 17th, 2015 at 8:23 PM ^

But "the epitome of a fraternity" shouldn't have a fair number of its members staying silent to protect themselves, at the expense of their brothers.

NRK

March 18th, 2015 at 12:38 AM ^

No. There should be more to it than that. Brotherhood is not about a wall of silence or ignoring right from wrong. Some may feel differently, but from my experience that's my opinion. You're doing your fraternity and all other innocent brothers wrong by not trying to correct a situation. It's probably less likely to occurs here since the damage was so widespread and so many people were probably involved, you'd be talking about a good number of guys.

Of course, it's easy to see now, but I can't say I would have seen that as an undergrad. Groupthink is powerful.

mgoblue0970

March 18th, 2015 at 6:05 PM ^

So "fraternity" trumps "integrity"?  In what world???

You're either:

a. just trying to stir the pot because you can

b. integrity and honor are foreign concepts to you

c. you really, really, really, really need a perspective check

Coldwater

March 17th, 2015 at 5:19 PM ^

"Refusing to cooperate". I love it, the whole " snitches get stitches" meme even makes its way to rich, white U of M frat boys...lol. Priceless

MGoClimb

March 17th, 2015 at 5:49 PM ^

So not only did they commit terrible acts, but they refused to own up to their actions and take responsibility.

Sounds like a good decision to disban them to me. 

 

MikeCohodes

March 17th, 2015 at 9:43 PM ^

SAM started as a Jewish frat but has non-Jewish members often. Even if that were not the case, private organizations can include or exclude whoever they want. Case in point: country clubs like Augusta with women, the Boy Scouts with homosexuals, etc. I'm not saying it's right, but courts side w/ the private organizations.

Real Tackles Wear 77

March 17th, 2015 at 7:19 PM ^

This was inevitable as soon as the extent of the damage became public. Their choice was either to give dozens of themselves up for criminal prosecution or let the chapter dissolve. No surprise they did the latter.

Fred Garvin

March 17th, 2015 at 7:29 PM ^

If anyone I associate with lies, cheats, steals, or destroys somebody else's property, all bets are off. Implicit in the loyalty and support I extend to my friends and family is the understanding they'll never put me in a bad position. The bottom line is I have no interest in hanging out with people who do stupid s**t.

I think the whole fraternity brother/character building thing the Greek system touts is almost laughable. If it was legit, the guilty Sammy's would have stepped forward, taken responsibility, and placed the good name of their fraternity (and UMich) above their own welfare. It's also worth noting that none of the SAE guys from OU have stepped forward either. Call me crazy, but it sounds like there were more than two people clapping on that bus. So much for the whole brotherhood/character thing.

SysMark

March 17th, 2015 at 7:52 PM ^

I'll say this about that bus.  At least two people (one was the young woman seen with her phone in the first video released - she was clearly recording one of the two leaders) saw fit to go public with it and I admire that.  It took guts given the potential ramifications.  I'll take at least that positive from it.

Esterhaus

March 17th, 2015 at 8:00 PM ^

 
My mom thanks you for elevating her "self-confidence" through the Garvin Method. Once the man truss was removed, finally, after much effort by us all, she experienced the thrills of a lifetime, all 400 lbs of herself. You are a genuine professional, and I love you brother even though you are Canadian.
 
 

UnkleBuck

March 17th, 2015 at 8:43 PM ^

The gutless pukes deserve more than what was handed down by the frat bosses.  Hopefully, at some point, those responsible will answer to the long arm of the law.  If I'm the resort, I would go all the way with it.  I've owned a business before and had my equipment vandalized and stolen, it rocks your soul.

Blue Balls Afire

March 17th, 2015 at 9:29 PM ^

The college Greek system and the NCAA are almost identical institutions to me.  Both started out with high-minded ideals that have been bastardized over the years to where the current iteration seems like an ironic joke when compared to those ideals.  Sure, there are things both still do well, and both can be rewarding for those who choose to partake in those offerings, but for the vast majority of stakeholders and participants, it's a cynical means to an end.

umparent

March 18th, 2015 at 9:54 AM ^

Comparing what they did to another crime, like rape or murder, is not an argument. It was either a crime or it wasn't, and they either committed it or they didn't. It's up to the court to decide, but the charge will usually have a maximum punishment. The reality is that protecting their brothers is a waste of time and tax dollars. All of them will be interviewed by the police under oath and will have to tell the truth or go to jail. Why did the perpetrators choose not step up and admit what they did rather than force their brothers to protect them?  That is right thing to do. I'll bet there are plenty of lawyers hounding that property owner to sue everyone they can think of. Helping to protect the criminals will land all of these people in civil court.