The university is looking into possible student misconduct after a series of emails and other documents containing slurs and references to sexual assault were leaked online and cited in an article in the student newspaper. The messages angered many on the campus.
The messages refer to a group that calls itself Epsilon Iota, which is not a recognized fraternity at the university. Epsilon Iota was the name of a university chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity that was shut down 13 years ago for alcohol-related and other problems.
On Monday, AU President Cornelius M. “Neil” Kerwin said in a statement to the campus community that “harmful behaviors” depicted in the e-mails “not only conflict with our values and standards, but also may represent breaches of our student conduct code and of the law.”
Kerwin pledged “swift and deliberate action” to investigate. He said AU would apply its student conduct code “to its fullest extent” and cooperate with law enforcement if any crimes are uncovered.
“This situation cannot be viewed as an isolated set of circumstances,” Kerwin said. “It raises broader concerns about student conduct and high risk and harmful behaviors. Over the ensuing weeks and months, we will review with the community the steps we have taken to educate and address such issues and solicit ideas about what else might be effective in curtailing dangerous, damaging and illegal behaviors.”
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