Fraternity allegedly violates policy

One of Northern Michigan University’s fraternities faces the punishment of being kicked off of campus as a student organization for two or more years.

Lambda Chi Alpha is being charged with violating the Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG) Risk Management Policy’s alcohol policy.  The FIPG Risk Management Policy is a set of rules that applies to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity memberships.  These rules are also similar to NMU’s rules set for Greeks, said David Bonsall, director of Center for Student Enrichment and advisor to the Greek Counsel.

“Greeks are different from a lot of student groups because, this coming from their nationals, they are on a campus at the invitation of the university,” Bonsall said.

This is Lambda Chi Alpha’s fourth offense since 2004, and if they are kicked off campus they are no longer allowed to be a fraternity, operate as an organization or recruit new members, Bonsall said.  The appeal process has been delayed to give people more time to submit materials to Bill Bernard, and a decision will be made in the coming days.

“This is something that nobody is happy about and you hate to lose a national organization, especially one that’s been here for many years,” Bonsall said. “But on the other hand, Greeks are held to a certain standard because they are a special and different kind of organization and when they don’t meet that standard it’s our obligation as a university to do something (about) it.”

— Adelle Whitefoot

NMU Idol to showcase students

The Black Student Union will be holding NMU Idol auditions this week. This event is based off of the popular show American Idol but with an NMU twist, said Black Student Union President Aaron Whitaker.

“It’s about showcasing all the great and talented students we have here at Northern,” Whitaker said.

After the auditions the finalists have one week to prepare and then compete for prizes on April 8, he said.  The group is currently working on what the prizes will be. The event is free for everyone, even community members, Whitaker said. Auditions will be held in The Marquette Room of the University Center Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

— Ariana Grams

Presentation on Holocaust

On Monday, April 4 a presentation, “Thoughts on the Holocaust: Personal and Sociological” will be held at the St. Peter’s Cathedral. Paul Hollander will speak on the personal and sociological implications of the Holocaust.

Hollander is a world-renowned American scholar, journalist and conservative political writer. He is known for his criticisms of communism and left-wing politics. He is the author of “Political Pilgrims” and “Anti-Americanism” and the editor of “Understanding Anti-Americanism: Its Origins and Impact at Home and Abroad.”

The presentation is sponsored by Social Work and Sociology Student Organization, Hillel, Sigma Tau Delta and the College of Professional Studies. It will be held at the St. Peters Cathedral on Baraga Avenue in Marquette and is from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

– Shaina James