Tuesday, February 19 2013 10:48 AM EST2013-02-19 15:48:00 GMT
A fraternity's semi-nude photo used in a party invitation is attracting some unwanted attention on the University of Michigan campus.
A fraternity's semi-nude photo used in a party invitation is attracting some unwanted attention on the University of Michigan campus.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -
A fraternity chapter at the University of Michigan has been suspended after semi-nude photos of men posing with U.S. flags as part of a party invitation circulated online.
Pi Kappa Alpha said Tuesday that it placed the Ann Arbor school's Beta Tau chapter on interim suspension. One picture included a group of men and a large flag, and accompanied an email sent to a sorority about the party. Other photos showed individual men with smaller flags.
Justin A. Buck, Pi Kappa Alpha's executive vice president, said the photos were "inappropriate and offensive" and he was disappointed by the chapter.
"Countless undergraduate and alumni members throughout our organization have contacted the office voicing their displeasure and the fraternity is taking this situation very seriously," Buck said in a statement. "Pi Kappa Alpha does not condone this behavior."
Beta Tau chapter President Ryan Lee told the Detroit Free Press that the image and email were supposed to be satirical and weren't meant to be circulated beyond one sorority. He said the fraternity meant no disrespect and aims to make amends.
"We did not mean to disrespect the sorority, veterans, America or the flag at all in the picture, and we apologize if anyone was offended," Lee said.
The Michigan Daily and AnnArbor.com report the Interfraternity Council, a self-governing body made up of fraternity members, is investigating. The school's Office of Greek Life also is investigating. Both are expected to determine whether further discipline is appropriate.
University officials learned of the photos Monday, said school spokesman Rick Fitzgerald.
"Most of the discipline with fraternities and sororities comes with Interfraternity Council or the national organization itself," Fitzgerald said. "Every situation is different."
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:26:37 GMT
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:52:15 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:39:53 GMT
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:33:24 GMT
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults...
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:21:00 GMT
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
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