Update Nov. 4 '05: ATO Suspended at Berkeley
Berkeley’s chapter of Alpha Tau Omega has been suspended for (alleged) alcohol violations. Also, but reportedly not directly related to the suspension, men living in the house will have to move out. The student paper’s November 4 ’05 article is at
http://www.dailycal.org/article.php?id=20293
A couple of excerpts:
According to fraternity officials, university officials alleged that Alpha Tau Omega-which was on social probation-violated the alcohol moratorium by throwing a party and distributing alcohol during Welcome Week in August.
"At this time the case involving Alpha Tau Omega fraternity is still pending," said Kerry Fleming, assistant director for Greek life, in an e-mailed statement. "The University of California, Berkeley is working closely with the chapter, the Board of Trustees and the National Organization to resolve the matter."
. . . [the chapter’s president] however, said that the university's decision to withdraw recognition of the fraternity did not directly cause the loss of chapter house privileges.
Alumni of the fraternity, who own the house, determined that liability insurance rates would be too high, and reluctantly decided to issue the evictions . . . .
Note: I added the bold face to emphasize the role of liability insurance rates and alumni concern and involvement in this case.
Just serves as a reminder of how important risk management can be to a chapter, and how decisions and actions have consequences.