Attorney threatens university with suit
USC now plans to hold its annual fraternity bid day Friday and allow the 11 fraternities without pending alcohol sanctions to bring in new members.
University officials said the other seven fraternities may still be eligible to participate, but cases in front of the university’s judicial conduct board must first be resolved. USC said there was no definite timetable as to when those cases would wrap up.
The official reversal, hinted at by university officials since Monday, came after a meeting with about 50 alumni who gathered inside the Russell House Tuesday night. USC officials told alumni the problems had gotten out of control and immediate action was needed last Thursday, when USC halted fraternity rush amid chaos.
Now, university administrators are proposing 10 long-term solutions they’ll discuss with fraternity presidents in the upcoming days. Those include a shorter rush period, a temporary moratorium on alcohol and education classes for both new members and fraternity leadership.
“There was some concern from some alumni we were painting all the groups with the same brush,” said Anna Edwards, director of student services at USC. “But this was an overwhelmingly productive conversation.”
Alumni present at the meeting described the event as open and positive.
“I’m fully supportive of the university’s decision,” said Mike Malone, a Lambda Chi Alpha local board member.
Meanwhile, a Columbia attorney threatened to sue the university on behalf of an undisclosed Greek organization active at USC. Todd Kincannon, a Columbia attorney and former executive director of the state Republican Party, wrote the three-page letter that accused USC officials of unconstitutional conduct.
He said the fraternity who retained his services feared retaliation upon identification. Kincannon verified the letter to The Daily Gamecock but declined to comment. USC spokeswoman Margaret Lamb said the university doesn’t comment on such matters.
“At this point in time, we ask nothing but the wrongs of the last week be made right,” the letter reads. “If that is done, I can guarantee you that nothing else will come of this. But what I can also guarantee you is that if USC continues this illegal and unfair assault on Greek Life, my client will exercise any and all legal options available.”
Kincannon said the fraternity who retained him will continue rush and encourage others to do the same. He accused USC Greek Life officials of slanderous statements and said “my clients are tired of being bullied.” Kincannon’s letter also called the university’s move a “power play.”