Members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity have sent out a petition to appeal a hearing decision following the “Barn Party” incident, likening the findings to giving “the electric chair to our fraternity for not cleaning our bedroom.”

Members of Phi Beta Sigma were unavailable for comment.

Phi Beta Sigma members directed the appeal to Dan Nadler, the vice president for student affairs. Nadler said he was unable to comment on pending student disciplinary matters.

“The Appeal of Suspension of Phi Beta Sigma” appeared online at The Petition Site Monday, and, as of press time, had 796 online signatures.

According to the appeal, a hearing took place on Oct. 16, where several findings resulted in consequences for the fraternity.

“On the grounds of the sanction being inappropriate for the violation, we are formally appealing the findings of that hearing and request the five year suspension, the 300 hour community service requirement, the $2,000 fine and the demand we move out of the Greek Court house be immediately, and forever vacated,” the appeal states.

Members of the fraternity are also asking that two individuals, Jajuan Jefferies and Dajon Sherman, be reinstated as students in good standing and that there be an apology issued to the fraternity at the local, state, regional and national level.

“The accusations that these young men were complicit in a violation that the hearing board didn’t even find a preponderance of evidence for, and stated as such, almost unbelievable and hard to digest at its most liberal interpretation,” the letter states.

The letter of appeal continues to state the findings from the hearing are equivalent to “a death sentence for an (registered student organization) that has for four decades positively contributed to the university on campus.”

The letter also addressed the fact the fraternity members were advised not to have the off-campus party as part of the organization.

“We are indeed aware that it was advised that members of our organization, as an organization, not have an off campus party,” the appeal states. “We are also aware that individuals of our organization helped to host the party.”

Members of Phi Beta Sigma also extended an invitation to the university to help with safety protocols that will apply to all RSOs.

According to Eastern’s student conduct code, a written appeal of the process or decision may be submitted to the Vice President for Student Affairs within seven calendar days from the date of the decision letter.

However, the student conduct code does not mention anything in the appeal section about needing a certain number of signatures or any sort of petition in general.

The “Barn Party” incident occurred on Sept. 15, when the party ended in gunshots, sending two gunshot victims and one battery victim to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Following the “Barn Party,” late-night on-campus parties were temporarily suspended and then reinstated on Sept. 27 after new policies went into effect.

The “Barn Party” investigation is currently ongoing.

Bob Galuski can be reached at 581-2812 or rggaluski@eiu.edu.