The Daily Nebraskan obtained copies of e-mails sent from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Juan Franco concerning the recent allegations against Sigma Chi. Below are some excerpts from those e-mails:
From Franco, sent to Perlman April 20 at 6:50 p.m.:
“I understand Susan (Poser, chief of staff and associate to the chancellor) is keeping you posted on the students who were cited today for hazing. … Interestingly, a representative of the National Office is here (overseeing Chapter operations) and was present when the police arrived.”
Perlman’s response:
“She is, thanks. I will try to keep an open mind on this matter but this will be the second time this fraternity has been charged with hazing since I’ve been chancellor and frankly the burden in my view is on them to show why they should not be removed from campus. I would ask that we agree to no lesser sanction until I have been consulted.”
Perlman, sent to various UNL administrators April 21, 3:47 p.m.:
“Quietly we should pull together the history on Sigma Chi. From memory I can remember a cross burning incident and pictures of paddling. We also ought to know what sanctions were imposed and what agreements were made.”
Perlman, sent April 22 at 8:41 p.m., in response to an e-mail from a parent who alleged his or her son was hazed during his time at UNL:
“We try to take this seriously and I’m not naive enough to think this is the only hazing incident. This one, however, seemed far beyond normal. And in any event, I don’t think this is now, although once was, an integral part of greek life generally or limited to greeks. It is a problem with which we are trying to deal, firmly, but fairly.”
Perlman, sent April 23 at 11:24 a.m., in response to an Omaha man who called for the entire greek system to be banned from UNL:
“I share your disgust and outrage over the events disclosed relating to Sigma Chi. If these allegations turn out to be true, you can be assured the university will take strong action. However, with respect to your specific suggestion, I am not inclined to brand the entire greek system with the conduct of a member. I am not so naive to think that no hazing of any kind exists within other greek houses although it seems to me what is alleged here is a difference in kind and not degree. I suspect that conduct that could be classified as “hazing” occurs in campus settings other than greek houses. … The university will work hard to preserve the values of the greek system while coming down hard on its excesses. However, I have learned not to make promises that something will ‘never’ happen again, even though such a promise might provide temporary satisfaction to its recipient.”
Perlman Quotes for April 28th
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
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