Crackdown: Underage Drinking Arrests at Ball State (Lambda Chi Alpha party)
 

The Star-Press reports on a large number of arrests by Muncie, Indiana police for underage drinking at a Ball State U. fraternity party this past weekend. Some quotes suggest strained town-gown relations.
The article indicates that the fraternity party had more guests than are allowed under university rules, and that the party was not properly registered (or whatever the terminology is).

Article:

http://www.thestarpress.com/articles...-8105-004.html

edited to correct the URL

They need to make under-age drinking a felony and be done with it.

That way a serious dialogue can happen.

These local governments create laws that result in serious charges and repercussions, but by keeping them as misdemeanors the laws don't have to pass the scrutiny of a jury trial.

Also, the ways the laws are written you are automatically guilty if you pass certain criteria and the sentence is mandatory.

Stupid.

15 cars and 87 arrests seems excessive to say the least . . glad the town is quiet enough that there wasn't any real crime going on.

And the Ball State student paper has this story, with some responses. LXA is apparently temporarily suspended . . .

http://www.bsudailynews.com/vnews/di.../4070fea787cc3

What planet is this guy from??
 

"Lambda Chi member Sean Yau said the party benefited the scholarship fund...

"I don't appreciate them coming to our house and wrecking something for a good cause," Yau said."

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

You have got to be kidding... he actually said this?? A party allowing underage drinking is NOT a "good cause" no matter how worthy the charity might be.

Thank God
 

They didn't shoot anybody this time.

"IFC adviser Rob Turning said IFC's response could be severe, because of Lambda Chi's four-week probation period before Spring Break for a similar situation." (From bsudailynews.com).

I agree that punishments should be severe, in accordance with the offense. BUT I also know how Rob is and won't be surprised if something TOO drastic happens.

I also understand that the poilice were called because of a noise violation and that they weren't 'targeting' a fraternity, but what's done is done - - and it would now only be fair to check up on the other houses. I can tell you of at least 5 (if not more) fraternity houses I drank/partied at (underage), and had they been busted, would've had the same headlines as this current situation. To me, it's fair to punish everyone or no one - - in this case Lambda Chi being splashed all over the papers when they're not the only house (by far!) doing this type of thing.

When I went to Ball State, Lambda Chi wasn't one of the houses I partied at, but I did know a few of them. They didn't seem to ever get in trouble, most of them were very upstanding guys, and I don't think I ever saw an inkling of an out of control party at the house. Goes to show how much different pledge classes/exec boards change a chapter, huh?

In a non-related hijack, this saddens me. Yes, they brought it on themselves, yes they didn't register the party (it's a wierd process, but I do remember it from when I was a student), and yes, they deserve their punishment...But BSU's greek life seems to be going down the tubes. This is the 6th or 7th house in 2-3 years that has been suspended, been on serious probation, or lost it's charter!! In fact, I was in muncie this past weekend, and driving down Riverside ("Frat Row", I suppose) is like going down a street full of empty houses. There are 3 in a row that are vacant, one across the street, etc. Something needs to be done!

[/rant]
[/hijack]

Re: What planet is this guy from??
 

thetalady, I gotta agree with ya! Plus (as both articles pointed out) the Ball State campus had been flooded with what were essentially warnings about a crackdown on underage drinking (the "Police Yourself" campaign). Having an unregistered party with underage drinking was, as far as I can tell, way beyond stupid -- from a risk management perspective it was something you'd file under A for Asking For Trouble.

If it is all true?
 

Reading the article, they were investigated because they stopped some 16 year olds who said they had been partying there! Maybe they were not and maybe they were! If you were 16 and got busted, would you tell the Police where you actually had been:confused:

The Vice President of Student Govt. said she had been cited, had not been drinking and saw no underage drinkers to her knowledge. If what she said is true, I hope she sues them for false arrest and testifies.

They were called for a noise violation! Yep Okay, sounds bogus to me!:rolleyes: That many Police Cars and People from so many jurisdictations?:confused: Yeow Right!:(

They had signs posted, hands stamped for over 21, checking IDs to stamp hands!

Oh, if they didnt list the party with School, their Bad!:mad:

There has been very few problems with The LXA Chapter there in the past.

If they screwed up then so be it, if it was a set up, well that is a horse of a different color!:confused:

Mabey Muncie In. had better figure out what is the real problem if there is dissention between Townies and College Students!


Colleges put a lot of money into any city.

Re: If it is all true?
 

It does sound like the police were looking for parties with alcohol to bust. So?? Lambda Chi was surely aware of the crackdown on underage drinking, from the info in the article. They had this party knowing the chances of being caught were increased!

I respectfully point out that the articles state that the same chapter was on probation earlier this year for the same violation Maybe there isn't a long history of problems with the chapter, but the trend this year sure isn't looking good! :(

Tom, do you have any facts on the chapter's probation in Feb/March 2004?

On the face of it, given the report that the mayor was on the scene, plus the number of officers from several jurisdictions, it's pretty hard to believe that LXA wasn't targeted for this bust.

It sounds like they also tried to govern their own party with signs, lists, etc. Hard to tell what kind of job they did, though.

The report that they were on probation earlier in the year for underage drinking isn't going to help, either.

Re: If it is all true?
 

Tom, what if, and this is well within the realm of possibilities - IF the police told these 16 year olds they would not be cited if they told them where they obtained the alcohol, then hell yes, I can see them spilling their guts - protecting their own interests.

What really galls me is that apparently the University President or the mayor (can't remember which) was with the police when they showed up for this raid. 2:00 AM. Tell me now that this wasn't a setup - maybe not for LXA specifically, but, for whoever they managed to bust first.

Local (Muncie) paper Editorial
 

The local paper, the Muncie Star Press, ran an editorial praising the crackdown and the appearance of the mayor and others, and calling for a continued concerted effort by the university and Muncie officials to combat underage drinking.


Editorial:

http://www.thestarpress.com/articles...-4354-009.html

WOW, I for one am impressed by "Leads Credence with The Mayor, Chief Of Police, and City Building Inspector in attendence"!

Slow Night In MOO-uncie for sure!:eek:

Just what paid Elected Polotician will drag his/her butt out of bed that time of night unless there is something in it for them!:mad:

Poorly handled by the Mooncie Gendarimes.

I was at the LXA in Pittsburg, Ks. one nigh and the ASA were having a Band in the back of the house. I went over for a short and came back across the street to the LXA House. God every Cop and Sheriff, along with the Campus police showed up!

I stood and talked with an Officer with the Campus PD about it drinking a beer. Being an Ex-PD officer which I told him we had an interesting conversation. Noise Call, OK it was, but when the Police got there and explained the situation, the party was over and the people left. No one got rowdy or busted!

The difference is in using good judgement and not trying to be We are The Law!:confused:

What if Ball State ws there and no body attened College There! OOPS, there goes the econimie of MOOncie, Ind. All of the Bars, Resturants, Movie Theaters, Clothing Stores would close up, Good By Mooncie!

Is Ball State That Great. What are they known for!:confused:

No, just because it is LXA, I am not condoneing this, but to many times this type of things get over blown and Notorized! No Matter What Greek Organization it is!

1) Partying (until 2-3 years ago when campus 'went dry' :rolleyes: )
2) David Letterman.

There you have it, BSU claims to fame.

Really though, the nursing program isn't bad, and from what I understand the Teacher's College is one of the top in the country. Not real great at sports, nothing huge to speak of.

Well, as an alum of Ball State, I can speak about some of the positives of the university: its architecture school is well regarded, it has a top 5 ranked entrepreneurship program in the school of business. It was a top "Playboy Party School" fifteen years ago, but the decline from those dizzying heights began over a decade ago (I go back for homecoming and its like a different planet!) We used to have a great basketball team (3 NCAA Sweet Sixteen, one Elite Eight), but that was over a decade ago.

What really started this off this year was the fatal shooting of an intoxicated student (three times in the chest, once in the head) by a rookie University Police officer who hadn't been to the academy yet, wasn't allowed to carry mace because he hadn't received training, but was authorized to use a gun. This was followed up by the murder of a student by three local youths who attended an off campus party and asked him for a ride home. The student gave them a ride, and they murdered him for $2.00. The city and the university are putting all of the blame for both of these incidents on the alcohol/party scene at the university. Funny how even though they have been clamping down hard at BSU this stuff is happening now. We didn't seem to have nearly as many problems back in the "bad (Bad students! Bad!)
old days."

Honestly the Police Yourself campaign was WIDELY touted. It wasn't like this was a surprise to anyone especially those attending or having parties close to campus. The two incidents mentioned did spark this but as someone who teaches as part of my assistantship I can tell you that students, who I know to be underage, come to my class drunk or hungover or high routinely. I teach at 11 and 1 MWF so there's no real excuse as to why someone should be drunk in my class.

Yes the fraternity party got busted but so have people walking home from various bars and parties that appeared to be drunk. A lot of parents are scared and they wanted the university to do something so they have. Even if it's more than some would like they are going into prevent mode and are acting in what may be perceived in an extreme manner. Is there an alternative? Probably, but considering how close we are to the end of the spring semester folks are just going to have to adjust until they leave for the summer.

So there it is!:(

What if Ball State Became a Ghost College?

I used to tell New Recruits just coming on the Steet, the greatest weapon you have is not (Then 357 Magnum)(Today is a 40 Glock) but the thing between your ears and below you nose! Use it!

Whether is is LXA or anyother Greek Organization, it tells me that there is a real problem in that town! Notice, I did not call it a City, there is a difference and it just aint the Population!

There are many Schools across the country where Townie and College Kids have problems and who do you think the Town Stalwarts will back!:confused:

Am I concerned that it is My Fraternity, Hell Yess, but I also wonder about the rest of the Greek Community/ Remember Alfred U. In NY? No Greeks there what so ever!:mad:

Sad.

-Rudey

Definately remember that. Good friend of mine as a DZ there. No greek life there any more to speak of, and last I heard they weren't sure of pressing charges agains ZBT (still).

Helping the chapters
 

Since I've never been to Muncie, I can only go by what I've read in the newspaper accounts on the incident. However, as an LCA alum serving on the board of two alumni assns. (my alma mater, Illinois State, & Northwestern), I can honestly say that local governments have had a lot of reasons to "go overboard".

Many towns/cities/villages/burgs/etc. have enacted strict "historic district" rules that are ostensibly designed to prevent teardowns, remodeling that wouldn't conform to the way the rest of the area looks, etc.

Since some campuses have their fraternity/sorority rows in these areas, they're already being looked at w/a lot more scrutiny because they reside near these homes. When we screw up next door to a city council member, it gets noticed.

Perhaps that's why some schools are looking into the "Greek Village" concept to move everybody off campus/away from the townies...they would probably like to get rid of us, but the development office knows how much of their support comes from people that wear those funny-looking letters, so they back off.

Whether it's an LCA chapter, or TKE, SigEp, DZ, Tri-Delt or ANY GLO, we all took a vow when we joined that said we would do our best to behave in an honorable manner and hold ourselves to a higher standard. Many chapters and their members do just that, and they s/b commended.

However, at some point there's a disconnect between good intentions (such as raising funds @ LCA/BSU) and the way it's being done. Since most of us weren't in attendance, it's hard to say what level of involvement the chapter has w/their alumni.

Do they have mentors to help the officers make decisions (an alumni advisory board)? Do the alums just show up at Homecoming and expect to get blasted like they used to "back in the day"? If that's the case, it's no wonder these damned stereotypes persist.

The sad thing is that many chapters don't have enough alumni/ae support to act as the role models for the actives. From speaking w/people in the AFA & NIC I know that this is something that affects many chapters of each GLO.

Granted, we're not the ones who put the drinks in their hands and tell the actives to do something really stupid...they made those decisions on their own, and will probably have consequences to face as a result of their actions.

Bottom line: call a friend from your days in school and make a road trip to campus. Check out the house...meet the officers...ask questions (hey, it's YOUR house, too)...join the alumni/ae association, or start one if none exists...become involved. It may not help, but it definitely can't hurt.

Fraternally,
Bill Foltz
Illinois State '77

I can't speak anymore about the current state of alumni involvement in LXA at Ball State, since I graduated from there twelve years ago (LXA is our next-door neighbor). They used to have a lot of alumni involvement though.
The area where the fraternities/sororities are is mostly student housing definitely not a historic preservation district. "Student ghetto" was a term I heard used a few times to describe it.

The members were charged with assault. The kids death was eventually ruled a suicide.

Thanks for the update, I was curious!

Really?? Perhaps I wasn't there long enough, but I'd NEVER heard this. Besides, it's not bad - - Especially with houses like D Chi, Sigma Chi, Beta, etc... Guess Riverside just never struck me as "Ghetto". :confused:

Not "ghetto" in the traditional sense of the word, but definitely not highly-desirable residential neighborhoods. I heard the term used by locals for the entire Riverside-Normal City area that is dominated by student housing. On some campuses, chapter houses are right in the middle of affluent neighborhoods. Imagine if fraternity row were in the middle of Westwood (I think that's the name of the addition) just to the west of TC and the T-Com buildings. Plus the Theta Xi house isn't a historic landmark. Only the old Sigma Tau Gamma house (designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and quite beautiful in its day), and the whole neighborhood isn't even close to getting the status.

PM'd ya! :)

ETA: That'd be nuts if "Frat Row" was in Westwood!!! Talk about nice houses... I don't think the Uiversity Prez would want to live amongst them though. ;)

LXA Will Stay at Ball State
 

CBS affiliate WISH reports that the Ball State Lambda Chi chapter will remain on campus under conditions negotiated by the university, LXA nationals, and the chapter.

Story:

http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.a...5&nav=ORa7MBtT

Among the requirements --

alcohol free

operate under alumni board control starting immediately

membership review by alumni

social probation through May 2005

required community service and educational programming

That sounds like a fair resolution between all the involved parties (no pun intended!).

I suppose the other fraternities will be more careful now too.

Dee

exlurker, thanks for posting this!:)

Some of the things still sounded a little fishy, byut at least it is put to bed now!

Re: LXA Will Stay at Ball State
 

So the alumni have a voice and the chapter gets to do community service and those become punishments?

I only see the social probation with being alcohol free as the punishments.

-Rudey

My experience has always been that
"Membership Review"=Chapter Re-Organization.
It sounds like Lambda Chi will be kicking out some of it's members.

Membership review
 

I'm an LXA alumnus and the current chapter advisor at Cal State Fullerton. I have been a part of and conducted membership reviews. I promise you that they are not pleasant.

Yes, we will have fewer brothers at Ball State. And that is sad. These are young men that I will never have a chance to know as brothers.

Yet, the chapter members did some really dumb things. Despite warnings they continued to serve minors, and that is wrong. They did so at a major party. That is just plain STUPID.

I know that if I am even in the same county, and Fullerton gets busted for under age drinking, the Fullerton PD will come to my house and arrest me - just because!

I cannot condone what Ball State did. I don't know if the media quotes are accurate. Ball State PD may have overreacted. But it doesn't really matter. The University climate was such that an underage drinking problem was going to get stomped on - hard - and all the kids knew it.

As Jim Croce said "Don't Pull the Mask On The Old Lone Ranger"

I am fearful that the same thing may happen at Fullerton despite my best efforts. In a way I would welcome some action as an attention getter step but I fear that it would not be a gentle touch. And I don't want to go to the "Gray-Bar Hotel" for this.

Bottom line is that Ball State screwed up. Others may be doing it too, but I don't care about the others. I care about my fraternity at Ball State and I am saddened.

Have been so busy, haven't had a chance to catch up on
Greek Chat.

I'm sad to hear about the BSU chapter....about 4 years
ago, I was considering becoming their High Pi....didn't
have one at the time, and I was on campus on a regular
basis.

They'd had some "trouble" back then, esp. at party's,
had lost membership, and were just re-organizing at
the time. I got a new job and left the area and never
heard much from them.

I did talk with the (then) dean of students about their situation...
he seemed "supportive" as long as they kept their "noses
clean" (out of the newspaper and out of police reports!)...
but I think he's retired.

One of their biggest supporters (financially) was an alum
who owns the Meijer's chain of stores (I think that's
the name)....used to give alot of $$$, but was rarely
coming around 3-4 years ago.

anyway, my 2cc