USC: 7 fraternities suspended for alcohol issues

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — University of South Carolina officials say seven fraternities face sanctions for providing alcohol to underage students during recruitment parties last week.

The school’s associate director for Greek life said Monday the university may lift its rush postponement and allow fraternities to accept new members as early as Wednesday. Keith Ellis says the decision will depend on meetings over the next two days.

Several hundred students attended a meeting Monday meant as a brainstorming session between students and school officials on how to move forward.

Students complained the school punished all fraternities for the mistakes of a few students when it halted rush late Thursday.

Ellis says alcohol at fraternity recruitment events must stop. The school is encouraging the national offices of the cited fraternities to suggest a proper punishment.