Sanctions against a University of Delaware fraternity suspended on several alcohol and safety violations were lifted Wednesday and the school announced it will hold new judicial proceedings on the charges.
Alpha Tau Omega, which had been suspended for four years by the university in January, challenged the school's judicial procedures earlier this month in a Chancery Court lawsuit.
ATO asked the court to stop the university and Newark from enforcing the suspension and eviction until the case is resolved. The fraternity's suspension came nearly five months after 18-year-old Rachel Payne was struck and killed by a train Sept. 12 after leaving a party at the fraternity house. Her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit, toxicology reports said.
"By rehearing the case, the university hopes to lay to rest the fraternity's challenge to the university's judicial system procedures," the statement said.
Jason Powell, an attorney representing the fraternity, said he needs to "digest" the university's actions and discuss it with the fraternity to see how it affects the fraternity's lawsuit.
"We feel the [UD] statement is a recognition that there may have been some defects in how the university went about coming to the judicial decision," he said. "It shows a great recognition on their part to recognize that and allow a process for there to be a fair hearing. ..."
www.delawareonline.com � The News Journal - Fraternity's sanctions lifted by UD
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