By Nina Mendes
News & Features Editor
Two FGCU fraternities have been placed on immediate interim suspension due to allegations of unfortunate conduct, according to an email sent by President Martin.
The university received reports that Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Theta hosted off-campus parties on Friday that violated FGCU’s COVID-19 guidelines for crowd size, social distancing and face coverings.
The fraternities are prohibited from conducting all operations and activities until the completion of adjudication through the Student Code of Conduct.
According to Martin, their behavior poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Consequences for the organizers, participants and their organizations will follow if the Student Code of Conduct finds the fraternities guilty.
If found responsible, the university is at risk of having to close campus and switch all courses to remote-instruction.
“Conduct of this nature has many negative impacts,” said Martin. “It reduces our ability to provide the highest quality degrees; it threatens the health of fellow students, faculty, staff and neighbors; and a campus closure would lead to widespread layoffs.”
According to Martin, FGCU cannot determine at this time whether campus closure will be necessary.
This story is still developing, and no further details have been released.