Uploaded by Editor

At least 51 students were arrested at an Ocoee River campground early Sunday morning after a Sigma Chi international fraternity event got out of hand, according to reports from Polk County.

The students - both members and non-members of the Vanderbilt chapter - face charges including disorderly conduct and underage consumption, according to reports from Polk County.

According to television reports out of Chattanooga, which is near the campground, the students were at the High River Campground for a weekend outing, and the problem occurred when they began celebrating the Commodores' football victory over Ole Miss.

Reportedly, the disturbance included the lighting of firecrackers in the campground at 2:30 a.m.

Kristin Torrey, director of Greek Life, was informed of the incident on Sunday morning and is investigating the circumstances with the international fraternity.

Michael Dunn, area representative for the fraternity, does not know if the camping event was an official rush event or not.

"It's certainly not an event that we would sanction," said Dunn. "It's a little bit early to comment because we've got to go through the whole investigation first to get all the facts."

The students were all released on $1500 bond apiece. The investigation continues and any disciplinary action from Vanderbilt or the fraternity will be determined within the week.

Students have various reactions to the information that they have received over the past few days.

"I think (the situation) was blown a little out of proportion and all the facts should be brought out before anything is done," said freshman Jocelyn McConnaughey.

Freshman Anthony Albanese thinks the students should not be "criminalized," and that non-Greeks shouldn't get in trouble because the event took place off campus.

"The freshmen should not be in trouble since they were off campus," said Albanese. "A strike or worse is ridiculous. Nobody should be kicked out of school."

According to Chattanooga's WTVC, all of the students charged are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 22.

Lauren Koenig and Kobina Ankumah contributed information to this article.

Read the editor's response here.

Submitted by Gary Winnick on Wed, 04/01/2009 - 06:47.

Re:

Thanks for sharing this report. 220-602

Submitted by farhaj on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 07:00.

Crooks and Burglars should

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Submitted by fayjf on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:01.

As a member of Sigma Chi I have tried my best to avoid reading this website in light of the recent events that have taken place. I do not care what the hustler prints on its front page, other's responses to the printed material or the Hustler's defense. These are non-issues to me. However, the comment "RACISM" did come to my attention and this response deals solely with that comment and its author. Your argument, unequalequality, is completely and utterly absurd; riddled with the same RACISM that you so fervently attempt to expose. There is not a single word or fact written about this story that incorporates any kind of RACISM, but thanks to you, it does now. Saying that "The white fraternities get away with way too much on this campus" seems to imply that the African American fraternities do not drink underage or get rowdy…get this…they do. It is flat out racism to give the impression that the issue of underage drinking is a "white fraternity" only problem. As you go on in your rant, you say that those smiling in their mugshots are happy "knowing that their wealthy fathers would bail them out and clear their names." Let me tell you something, there are many of those smiling who pay their own dues, work to put themselves through college and are paying for a lawyer out of their own pocket to fight charges that they are not even guilty of. It is flat out RACISM on your part to imply that all white fraternity members were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, just as it is RACISM to assume that all African American fraternity members have fathers that ditched them when they were 6 months old. There were guilty parties involved in this incident and they, and the fraternity as a whole, are going to be punished accordingly. But to lump everyone that was present into one group, based upon your assumption of universal guilt of white fraternity members, seems to expose your own RACISM. Are there racists on this campus? Absolutely, and it is disgusting. But guess what? You can count yourself among them.

Submitted by tower732 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 12:06.

editor's reply pompous

Check the subject line

Submitted by dspdx1 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 11:36.

"I understand that the

"I understand that the Hustler editors and contributors are aiming to place themselves at the vanguard of student journalism with an article like this, but let me point out: by accompanying the article with a series of mug shots for drama's sake, you have inflicted defamation on each of those students involved- students that are a part of YOUR community." Really? Defamation? How is this defamation? For something to be defamatory, it needs to be false. What's false? And let's just extend your false logic out a little further...then no news outlet should report on anything, basically because it might hurt someone. No investigations about child abuse, abuse of power, fraud, bribery? Those all members of SOME community. Get a grip and welcome to the real world.

Submitted by unequalequality on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 10:23.

RACISM

The racism in this school is very apparent and pathetic. Why are so many people making such a huge deal about 50 plus white males that were arrested? No one seemed to be so riled up when, almost a year ago, Rob Gutierrez was sitting idly by while his friend and a gay couple got into a fight and suddenly everyone, including the Hustler labeled Rob as a "gay basher." If those mug shots were of 50 plus black males, the silence on this campus would be overwhelming, because apparently that type of behavior is expected from black students. The white fraternities get away with way too much on this campus, and it is absolutely sickening to see them get away with these illegal acts in the state of TN (referring to the charges that will most likely get dropped). You parents who are complaining need to stop! You should have raised your children better. Everyone knows that you are "guilty by association," a concept that is frequently used to throw young black males into the prison systems. The bottom line is that these students did wrong and need to be made an example of. Look at how some of them smiled for their mugshots. I was furious as I observed the comfort they seemed to have felt knowing that their wealthy fathers would bail them out and clear their names. Stop attacking the Hustler staff for doing their respective jobs! I WOULD like to know what absurdities occur on and off campus among Vanderbilt students. Kudos to the Hustler for serving the Vanderbilt community most effectively!

Submitted by rwhite on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 10:15.

The Hustler brought down members of its own community

I understand that the Hustler editors and contributors are aiming to place themselves at the vanguard of student journalism with an article like this, but let me point out: by accompanying the article with a series of mug shots for drama's sake, you have inflicted defamation on each of those students involved- students that are a part of YOUR community.

Submitted by Nathaniel Horadam on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 22:02.

Unnecessary and quite frankly embarrassing

The Hustler crossed a serious line when it published the mugshots of the Sigma Chi students who were arrested last weekend. And for what? So people would talk about the issue even more? Because making it the front page story above the fold and featuring it on InsideVandy.com wasn't enough? Clearly this was a self-interested move that held zero regard for those students involved. What's more is the charges against these students are minor to begin with, and when the full story comes out and legal proceedings are finished, most of the charges will undoubtedly be dropped. Does the story deserve to be reported? Sure. But glorifying the Hustler by being controversial at the expense of students who may face future problems as a result is irresponsible and embarrassing. Next time I hope the Hustler uses better judgement when reporting an incident by distinguishing the fraternity from its members.

Nathaniel Horadam

Submitted by vu on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 18:17.

Janelle Stokes, Greek Specialist

Dear Janelle Stokes, What qualifies you as a so-called "Greek Specialist" ? Give me a [insert expletive] break. Just further prove that the Hustler staff is full of megalomaniacs who have lost all touch with both the student body and reality. Here's a term for you: "Yellow journalism is journalism that downplays legitimate news in favor of eye-catching headlines that sell more newspapers. It may feature exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, sensationalism, or unprofessional practices by news media organizations or journalists." Maybe before you specialize in all things Greek, you should first specialize in professionalism and consideration. And as for your editor, my disappointment in her is so grave, I cannot begin to express it for fear of it degenerating into petty name calling.

Submitted by disappointedvan... on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 17:51.

The Hustler is no Better than JuicyCampus

Dear Hustler, The printing of the student mugshots on the front page was shameful. I have always respected the Hustler and liked the surprisingly interesting articles. I was so appalled that I wanted to make disagreement known. As I registered to post on InsideVandy, I found it funny that I had to agree with the following: By registering, you agree to the following: I agree to be a good citizen of Vanderbilt's online community. I will uphold the values outlined in Vanderbilt's Honor Code and Community Creed. I agree to treat others as I want to be treated and think before I post. I understand this Web site is open to the world. I understand that if I fail to meet my obligations as a member of Vanderbilt's online community, my InsideVandy membership can be revoked. I further read the Community Creed and found this: CARING is the concern for the well-being and dignity of others. We are dedicated to supporting one another within our community. We make a lifelong commitment to channeling service, knowledge, and experience toward the betterment of humanity. It is quite hypocritical of the Hustler staff to require me to agree with the above statements while producing stories that degrade our own community and most importantly students. Maybe the writers/editors need to take a code of conduct course. Just a suggestion.

Submitted by Tamesha Derico on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 17:22.

Distraught??

Dear "distraughtparent,"

Are you as "distraught" about the actions of the Sigma Chi students as you are about the Hustler's decisions?

Asa Vanderbilt student, I definitely think that it is newsworthy when a large group of people from our university are arrested and the name "Vanderbilt" is closely associated with them. These students are the ones who "should have spent a moment to consider the ramifications" of their actions before BREAKING THE LAW and tarnishing the reputation of Vandy students in the Chattanooga area and elsewhere. We are a community and this reflects negatively on all of us, and it does no good to ignore it in the school paper when it has already been reported by the Chattanooga news station and the Tennessean, who obviously thought that such a large arrest was newsworthy. I think that the student body deserves to know about such an event that affects the reputation of our school, and thus it makes sense to publish it in the school paper.

I am by no means suggesting that we should pass judgment on the Sigma Chi students because, yes, all people make mistakes. Butsomemistakes have worse consequences than others do. Although the Vanderbilt Police don't seem to enforce the law, underage drinking is a crime, and the arrests, emotional drain, media coverage, disappointment from their parents, and whatever else they have to deal with are all consequences of a poor choice that THEY made. Bottom line: attending an off-campus, out-of-city party with a large number of people and a high likelihood of underage drinking and rowdiness is NOTa good idea. And it's certainly not the Hustler's fault that some students chose to do so.

I certainly hope that when I become a parent, I'll be most concerned about teaching my child to make good decisions and helping him through the bad times when he makes not-so-good decisions. That would certainly be more constructive than criticizing others for doing their job.

Submitted by nskene on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 16:17.

Blaming "the media" instead of the culprits

After 40 years around the news business, including a year early on as editor of the Hustler (1972-73), I continue to be astounded at the number of people who try to deflect criticism of their own behavior or decision by blaming the media for writing about it. So now the issue comes to the Vanderbilt campus. A bunch of freshman men are swept up in the Saturday night fraternity camaraderie, go off to a drunken party, are still at it at 2 in the morning, and get arrested. Dozens of Vanderbilt students get arrested, and somebody thinks that is NOT a really big deal for the campus paper to write about? If the editor wanted to just embarrass everyone, he might have run their names as well, but he didn’t. The gallery of mug shots was simply a stunning illustration of the scope of this story. If you knew someone pictured, you probably already knew about the arrest. If you didn’t, the photos probably didn’t make much difference beyond their collective impact. Certainly the Hustler’s approach to this story has emphasized the desirability to consider anew the party-centered, peer-pressure activities of the Greeks. I wish those freshman had learned a lesson about that less painfully, but I hope their embarrassment has served as a caution to everyone. I don’t understand how people who lament the embarrassment to these partiers then vilify the Hustler editor for a principled decision that he has come forward to explain in detail. He has taken full responsibility for his decision. That’s an example we might hold up as a model for everyone. Neil Skene Tallahassee, FL

Neil Skene Tallahassee, FL

Submitted by --vanderbiltstudent on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 00:49.

<<Read the "Editor's Response" to left

Dear "Editor", You call yourself the "Editor of the Hustler," however, did you even bother to edit your response? It is honestly a joke to count the number of grammatical and typographical errors you made throughout your response that was intending to 'provoke thought.' I apologize, but I cannot take this seriously, when it clearly has not been proofread or thoroughly contemplated. However, my original intent was not to discuss your lack of writing abilities. It is obvious that you stand behind your decision to post 54 mugshots of fellow Vanderbilt students across campus (thankfully you grace readers with the use of the third person); however, that does not make it a valid decision. Your only purpose for posting the pictures, as you explained in your response, was to create a "provocative and eye-catching" cover story. Clearly, you did not have enough confidence in your staff's writing abilities to cause people to read the paper, and have necessary discussions on the matter. Unfortunately, you had to rely on the humiliation and embarrassment of 54 individuals to get your "breaking news" story out on campus. The Hustler is not, nor will it ever be, a top news source. I regret to inform you that the majority the student body reads your newspaper for the sole purpose of completing the crossword puzzle. Printing the mugshots of 54 of your own peers is embarrassing to our University. I absolutely agree that this is a necessary news report, however I do not agree that the community in which these 54 students reside is turning their mistake into a joke/shameful attempt to promote your lame attempt at a newspaper. I sincerely hope that a time comes when you make a mistake and some self-righteous, egocentric "Editor" like yourself plasters your picture on the front page of a newspaper that is supposed to respect and support its peers. Don't expect any reputable publications calling you off the hook about job opportunities. Shock value is for tabloids. Poor decision, "Editor".

Submitted by almam on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 13:49.

Dear Commodore321, I would

Dear Commodore321, I would like you to know that before you go issuing a statement for the entire student body, some of us support the reporting of facts in a newspaper. I for one, while I may question the decision to post the mug shots of several students on the front page of the Hustler, am not about to call for any punishment for any member of the Hustler. Not a single person you named did anything more than what they are expected to do as leaders of a news outlet, they reported the news of a major event affecting our campus. While it is unfortunate that these students were caught in a situation that merited them taking mug shots, it is still news that must be reported in order for the Hustler to still be respected as a news outlet. We do not live in a bubble meant to protect students from criticism and consequences for their actions as some would believe. And before you start implying that the Hustler is the reason people know about these arrests, this story was carried by many mainstream news sources before the Hustler ran the article today, including WKRN Nashville, Chattanooga Times Free Press, and on US News and World Report's website. It would have been unethical for the Hustler not to report this information. So no, while some people may be upset about this article, the Vanderbilt community is not calling for the resignation of anyone. Alex Alm

Submitted by distraughtparent on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 11:51.

re Compassion

I am the parent of one of the people on the website so I know the facts far better than most although I am certainly far from perfect. My son was involved in a situation over which he had absolutely no control or involvement other than being asleep while the alleged activities occurred. I am far from cold-hearted. In fact, I have suffered for the last three days with my son who has been a part of the Vanderbilt community for thirty days. My son has owned up to his actions and is fully prepared to face the consequences. The only point that I make is that someday the editors who chose to publish the pictures will have children of their own and will view the situation through a different lens. In fact, I agree with every comment you make in your first paragraph and that is why I am so disturbed by the publication of the pictures.

Submitted by justthisonce on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 11:29.

You Do the Crime

For all the people complaining, give me a break. Slander? That would have to be a false claim. Compassion? This is merely an assemblage of facts. Additionally, there are quotes in the article that illustrate biased viewpoints in favor of the students. What the angry comments really illustrate is how connected the 51 students are to other members of the Vanderbilt community. If a friend of mine got arrested, and their picture was posted on USNews.com, the Tennessean, some Chattanooga paper, and oh yeah-the paper that's about Vanderbilt, The Hustler, I guess I'd be complaining on the comments section also. While this year the Hustler's quality sucks, there is nothing wrong with this article. Now take a look at some of those faces. tsk tsk tsk

Submitted by Hustler1 on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 10:46.

Compasssion

I want to write something about this article in the Hustler. I don't think that the problem here is slander. The reason that I'm so disappointed in the Hustler is there lack of compassion. These young men have been through enough already, and the last thing they need is their mug shot posted all through campus. I understand if the Hustler feels the to publish the story but for them to go to the police and get the mug shots is malicious. These young men have to answer the law and to the University administration not every citizen of the Vanderbilt community. And yes we are supposed to be a community. A community supports each other in a time of need and lends a hand when mistakes have been made. The Hustler has not done this by posting the mug shots of the students involved. And to the parent below, I hope to God none of your children ever make a mistake whether it involves alcohol or not and have to face your cold-hearted judgment. These men made a mistake and they will face to consequence but they don't need your self-righteous judgment. So please judge only when you're perfect or know all the facts. Thank you.

Submitted by sandlemj on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 09:59.

Sigma Chis Arrested

I'd like to know who slandered whom here. If you're going to post self-righteous and baseless attacks at the editors of the Hustler, at least use terms correctly. Slander implies that the reported news is inaccurate, or in this case, that the Sigma Chis were not arrested. Unfortunately, they were, and it is nothing more than the responsibility of Mike Warren and the rest of the Hustler staff to report this. If what was published offends you, you need to reexamine your own sense of what is right and wrong. The story happened. The pictures represent the story. The pictures were published with the story. How is this an offense? How is this slander? How is this sensationalist? Furthermore, what incentive do any of the editors have to slander or sensationalize? The above arguments should take these questions into account. If you're spending your morning telling your peers that publishing the story and photos was wrong, I hope for your sake that your self-righteousness is adding to your self esteem because perhaps you need it. Those of us who are honest with ourselves have no issue with the Hustler because we are not offended by the reporting and illustration of news. My advice: Get over yourselves. The Hustler did nothing here that goes beyond the realm of responsible news coverage. The situation with our peers in Sigma Chi is extremely unfortunate and I sincerely hope that they, and their fraternity emerge from this as unscathed as possible. However, this news had to be reported. It was the right thing to do. Mike Sandler

Submitted by Novickka on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 09:48.

Sigma CHi

Last time I checked, the Hustler's purpose on this campus is to report the news. Well, as it turns out, when a rush event ends with 51 brothers and freshman getting arrested, this is news. Should the Hustler not report the biggest story because doing so would hurt the feelings of the students involved? Anyone who feels the need to question the integrity of the Hustler staff should watch the TV clip of the incident on News Channel 9 from Chattanooga. News Channel 9 went as far as to show the names of those involved below their mugshots. In the real world when you commit a crime, there is a possibility that it will make the news. Should the Hustler report the news any other way?

Submitted by jwpaddon on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 09:47.

Selectively honorable

I graduated in 1990 from a college that did not allow students to drink. I can't emphasize enough how thankful I am I didn't have to deal will all the alcohol saturated crap that permeates most colleges. I had a lot of fun in college and made friendships that remain to this day, but without any of the regrets that come with drinking. My wife and I went to Vanderbilt for graduate school so a couple times a year we get a call from the development office asking us give to the University. I will never give a dime to Vanderbilt because Vanderbilt does not support my values. I have four kids who will be going to college in a few years and they won't even consider a school that allows students to drink. It shouldn't make a difference if the incident is off campus or not. The issue is the honor and character of students that you are allowing to be a part of your community. What part of illegal do you not understand? If a student copies someone's term paper off campus it's an honor code violation. But you can't make them promise to obey the law regarding the drinking age off campus? What a joke. Send them home.

Submitted by distraughtparent on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 07:45.

Journalistic Integrity??

To the editors of the Hustler. Some day you will all be parents and your views regarding the newsworthiness of this event will change dramatically. You may have thought you published news but what you did was hurtful and disrepsectful to your peers and friends. You should not be proud of your actions. You should have spent a moment to consider the ramifications of punishing a large group of people based on the actions of a few. Shame on you!!!!

Submitted by commodore321 on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 04:16.

**** the Hustler

To the Editors of the Hustler and those who penned this article: The Vanderbilt student body calls for your resignation by the end of the day. It is amazing that you would forgo all sense of decency and respect for your fellow undergraduates in slandering these individuals. You have reduced your publication to sub-tabloid status, unnecessarily posting the police photos of 51 Vanderbilt students. If you wish to disparage your own classmates and Vanderbilt colleagues as you have done, let it be, but know that nobody will respect you again, as a publication, as students, as human beings. Do yourself a favor, and the University, from which you receive your mandate, and resign. Several of the students whom you have slandered have yet to be at this school for one month, and now their reputation is tarnished with future classmates, professors, club members, all because you wanted to run a purely sensationalist article. You have grossly failed to uphold ethical standards by blatantly spitting in the face of non-bias, a pillar of good journalism and violated the Vanderbilt Community Creed, which you tout on your website. In doing so, you have dishonored Fifty One students, One fraternity, and One University. So Editors: Michael Warren Hannah Twillman Eve Attermann Janelle Stokes and Writers: Lauren Koenig Kobina Ankumah The Vanderbilt student body calls for each one of your resignation at the end of the day. Furthermore, I challenge Mark Bandas, Dean of Students, and Vanderbilt Office of Student Organizations to step-up for the student body's sake and take action to disband or cut University funding of your publication. You all make me sick.

Submitted by anna.j.arata on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 01:44.

Disappointing, Insulting

The editors of the Hustler have stooped to a new level of arrogance; posting collective mugshots of fellow students online is both disgraceful and unnecessary, as is publishing an article without all of the facts. Clearly our student newspaper is both a beacon and bastion of sensationalist journalism that champions disloyalty within the student body instead of solidarity in times of trouble. Whoever is responsible for publishing this trash, congratulations- you're truly the most classless person imaginable. Anna Arata

Submitted by MLKP on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 01:23.

Quality Journalism

To the “Editors” of the Hustler, Congratulations on your attempt to lure readers from the crossword through publication of inaccurate material. Last we heard, such stories belonged in The Slant and not the more “respected” Hustler. And all in the name of “journalistic integrity.” Last I heard, such a “journalistic integrity” is not synonymous with “exploitation of others for self-gain,” but perhaps you’re taking note from tabloids and their reputable counterparts. As for advancing your career through unbiased reporting, we have news for you: the economy has not deteriorated to the point that this will secure you a job. Who really wants to hire a college newspaper reporter who doesn’t A) check the facts, B) report the truth, or C) give a damn about individuals with whom one has sworn a pact to live with in community (or did your fraternity not get invited to Greek Week?) Readers, turn the paper over and sudoku-away tomorrow, there’s no real news here. We look forward to Friday’s coverage of campus recycling and other “newsworthy” Hustler material.

Submitted by vb on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 00:05.

Unnecessary

I also felt compelled to create an account just to reply to this post. The Hustler has published some interesting and compelling articles in the past few weeks. However, this sensationalist journalism is way over the top. Just the fact that the Hustler sought information about the arrest of Vanderbilt students, who are, in case the journalists of this so-called newspaper, your colleagues, is shameful. How is the Hustler contributing to the community? By embarrassing members of the Vanderbilt community and by publicizing something that has already had enough exposure in the media? Or by simply blowing something out of proportion just for the satisfaction of you, editors of this appalling newspaper. Let the issue be resolved on its own. No one needs the Hustler to repeat what a bunch of other QUALITY newspapers have already said about the issue.

Submitted by vb on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 23:57.

very disappointed

Submitted by jlennon on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 23:33.

wtf Hustler staff...

I made an account just for this. Hustler staff, hustler editor-in-chief, Janelle Stokes, everybody involved in this article: what the heck is your guys problems? Why would you people put the whole page of the mugshots in the hustler like this? why would you expose these students like this, is it necessary? where is the journalist integrity here? i am no way involved in sigma chi, not in a fraternity, not even the biggest fan of the Greek system, yet still think it is uncalled for to do this. Its not the first time the Hustler would do something like this either. You guys represent our University? What a shame Hustler, you have no class. pce class of 2011

Submitted by fairmont on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 22:36.

disappointed

It's just sad to me that you thought you needed to post all of these mugshots on your front page. These are your fellow classmates. These are your friends. These, most importantly, are a group of boys that were unfairly and probably illegally handled. And you're selling them out for what? A piece of shock journalism? A headline to submit to the AP to get a national byline? You should be disgusted with yourselves. I am. There is a real story here. Your lazy journalism and opportunistic motives caused you to miss it. There is a place for work like this. It's called the National Enquirer. Actually, NE probably has a little more class than you do. Once again, this disgusts me. Kevin M. Kelly Vanderbilt University Law School '08

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Sigma Chis arrested

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