freaking embarrassing… not surprised given the track record of behavior from this kind of organizations.
https://gma.yahoo.com/inside-frat-party-caused-75-000-damage-ski-130900800–abc-news-topstories.html
These kinds of organizations also do a lot of good bearcats. You only hear about them in the media when something bad happens. There already has been a clear message that these types of incidences will not be tolerated. The Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at U-M has been effectively discontinued by both the university and the head fraternity office in Indianapolis. It saddens me that it appears that children of successful parents, most of whom are very good students, could be so stupid as to put themselves in this awkward situation. I think the university ultimately will need to make some kind of individual punishment based on legal outcomes when/if criminal charges are meted out to any of these students. This also includes the other fraternities and sororities mentioned in this and other articles.
Furthermore, it appears that these students were booked at their hotel(s) for two nights. Why didn’t the owners/managers call the police and do something about this before they all left town? There is no way that this kind of damage would go unnoticed before they checked out. I have no idea how, without any initial arrests, that many students (over 200 at all of the resorts) can be charged with criminal activity after the fact. The whole affair doesn’t quite make sense to me.
What a bunch of bums.
I’m with Bearcats on this one.
How do you decide who to kick out? That’s the problem.
^im thinking anyone registered a either hotel would e a good place to start 
^^^^Thanks for making my point.
I just don’t understand this type of behavior (well, I do, I hold a degree in adolescent behavioral sciences) and agree that there should be swift punishments dealt out to those who are involved (those that can be proven to be involved of course). These are not students who are on the road to becoming respectful, law-abiding, contributing citizens and there is no way potential involvement in this type of vandalism isn’t easily recognizable before the fact. Bunch of immature, self-entitled, thugs at best. But, kids don’t raise themselves…equal blame (or more) sits with those who supposedly parented these losers.
" These are not students who are on the road to becoming respectful, law-abiding, contributing citizens and there is no way potential involvement in this type of vandalism isn’t easily recognizable before the fact."
I suppose you would be shocked at how many current, “respectful, law-abiding, contributing citizens” have checkered pasts.
No, I don’t think I’d be shocked…those checkered pasts are most likely mirrors of their current lives, only better concealed and shielded by whoever and whatever they have in their pockets. While I certainly don’t think change is impossible, there are two quotes I rely on based on more than 50 years experience in the real world: Maya Angelos “When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time" and “the leopard never changes spots”.
Responding to question about “Why didn’t the owners/managers call the police and do something about this before they all left town?” I think it went like this: After the first night, the resort met with the leaders of the frat, who apologized and said they would clean up their behavior. When it only got worse, the state police were called to escort the students off the premises. Only then did the resort realize the extent of the damage.
^^^Did you see the damage in the hallway? Do you seriously believe nobody from management saw this until after the police escorted them out?
^^^The damage was likely caused the second night…it seems like a minor point.
I’d like to know “how” they did that to the hallway.
It will be hard to pin down specific individuals, but if they can file criminal changes against specific students, Umich should kick them out.
You wonder what these kids were thinking?!
Furthermore, the resort knew that there were many underaged students in this group drinking excessively. They even warned them about their behavior! Obviously, this sort of thing has been going on for decades/generations. This is nothing new, only to the extent of the damage. The resort gambled and lost this time around. There are state laws against allowing this type of behavior to occur and unfortunately for Treetops I’m afraid that this is really going to cost them big time.
Mich. Comp. Law 750.141a
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), an owner, tenant, or other person having control over any premises, residence, or other real property shall not do either of the following: (a) Knowingly allow a minor to consume or possess an alcoholic beverage at a social gathering on or within that premises, residence, or other real property. (b) Knowingly allow any individual to consume or possess a controlled substance at a social gathering on or within that premises, residence, or other real property.
Treetops is in a no win situation. This whole event should be a warning to all properties who book any type of group that has a proclivity to drink and is loaded with minors. DON’T DO IT!
Its fine to hold the establishments responsible as well but I’d hate to think the spotlight will glare on them instead of the under-aged drinkers and vandals. Lets put the responsibility where it belongs, on those that did the damage.
“Lets put the responsibility where it belongs, on those that did the damage.”
The spotlight needs to be on everyone involved. So far I only see condemnation of students. The property management/ownership is getting a bit of a pass in my opinion by the media and public. There are laws against allowing minors to drink for very good reasons. Of course not all of the offenders were minors, but I can guarantee you some of them were!
@kmcmom13 In many frat situations, the pledges are “encouraged” to use their credit cards to register for rooms. I think the entire chapter should be held responsible. The herd mentality took over and they all behaved like animals.
The entire chapter has been effectively shut down Geauxblu. It is over for them as a group. Now is the time for figuring out punishment for all of those involved.
My son who attends Michigan said they got a slap on the wrist. 2 weeks of social probation…no parties. The nationals have not done anything punitive nor has the university. The university has no authority I am told…the student body led inter fraternity council has control but has done nothing. The houses in question are still holding winter rush and are in full action besides the prohibitive 2 week slap…I am appalled…a few bad apples making the entire Greek system look bad…and if nothing is done popular opinion will castigate the whole system…which is an injustice…