USC Fraternity Threatens Lawsuit, Allowed to Resume ‘Rush’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Fraternities on the campus of the University of South Carolina went from being punished to permitted to seek new recruits, after a local lawyer threatens to sue and outspoken alumni speak up. In a recent letter to USC president, Harris Pastides, local attorney Todd Kincannon threatens a lawsuit against the school and individual staff members if his client is not allowed to resume recruitment practices. The client is an unidentified fraternity not implicated in a series of sanctions issued by the school, punishing fraternities the school says violated alcohol consumption policies. Of the 18 fraternal organizations, seven were reprimanded; however, all 18 groups were told to cease new member recruitment. The attorney alleged the decision was unfair and urged the school to modify its ruling. In addition, a recent meeting held on campus wherein approximately 50 alumni gathered to voice their concerns got the attention of University staff. In the end, the decision was revered. All groups not implicated in the violation were given the green light to resume recruitment. Kincannon said he was glad the school allowed rush to resume. University officials say they are contemplating implementing a 10-step process to improve rules and regulations regarding the intake of new fraternity members.