NORFOLK, Va. (WSLS 10) — The school-year just started at Virginia's Old Dominion University, but activities at one fraternity have already been suspended.
The move comes after sexually suggestive banners were hung outside an off campus fraternity house.
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The banners, seen hanging from a private home just off campus, read "Rowdy and fun, hope your baby girl is ready for a good time," "Freshman daughter drop off" and "go ahead and drop off mom too." According to ODU's website, the weekend also marked the beginning of classes for freshmen students.
The National Headquarters of Sigma Nu Fraternity have suspended the Eta Chi Chapter after learning some of its members may have been involved in making and hanging the banners.
Ellen Neufeldt, Vice President of Student Enrollment and Education Services. She says the University is investigating all the students living in the house to determine if the student code of conduct or the school's discrimination policy were violated.
"We work so hard to educate our students and have so many outstanding students here at ODU. For our student body to be represented that way and for any student to think it's OK to display that it's just not something that's acceptable," Neufeldt said.
She could not comment on specifics of this investigation or which specific policies are being looked into.
The fraternity members who lived inside the home removed the banners after the university contacted them.
Some students think the school could be overreacting.
Brooke Wharem lives next door, she says "I think they were just joking, it's a welcome back to college prank. I don't think they meant anything serious by it."
Other students shared their disgust on social media describing the signs as offensive and an example of rape culture.
The President of ODU, John R. Broderick, sent a letter to the campus community over the weekend, reiterating a zero tolerance policy against sexual assault and harassment:
Dear Colleague:
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.
A young lady I talked to earlier today courageously described the true meaning of the hurt this caused. She thought seriously about going back home.
But she was heartened, she explained, when she saw how fellow students were reacting to this incident on social media. She realized this callous and senseless act did not reflect the Old Dominion she has come to love.
The Student Government Association has recently developed the "Monarchs Raising Up" campaign educating our students on prevention of sexual and relationship violence, bystander intervention, and off-campus responsible behavior. Through video, online and in-person content, we layer education on these topics for all of our students throughout the year. All new freshman just received education this weekend on preventing discrimination and sexual assault in sessions we call "First Class."
Here is a link to a video from our student leaders responding to this event–just one example of how Old Dominion University students take a stand every day in regards to respecting each other and promoting responsible behavior: https://youtu.be/NC72ruvRtdY
I said at my State of the University address that there is zero tolerance on this campus for sexual assault and sexual harassment. This incident will be reviewed immediately by those on campus empowered to do so. Any student found to have violated the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.
Sincerely,
John R. Broderick
President
Neither Old Dominion University nor Sigma Nu Fraternity said how long their investigations might take.
WAVY contributed to this story.