Eastern concluded its review of the “Barn Party” incident involving Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, and a suspension of the fraternity until the spring semester of 2019 will be upheld and effective immediately.

Pat Early, the assistant vice president of communications, marketing and brand strategies, sent out a press release Thursday saying the recommendation of the Student Standards Board that the fraternity did violate the Student Conduct Code has been upheld and the fraternity has been suspended until the conclusion of the spring semester of 2019.

The release also stated that at the end of the suspension the fraternity could request consideration for reinstatement.

In addition to the suspension, the fraternity must complete 300 hours of community service in Charleston and pay restitution of $2,000 to Charleston.

The review of the “Barn Party” incident included a hearing by the Student Standards Board and a subsequent appeal.

President Bill Perry said in the release the full appeals process has now been completed and the fraternity has received official notice of its suspension, which takes effect immediately.

“The vast majority of our students work hard in their academic programs and participate in the community in a very positive fashion,” Perry said in the release. “But, occasionally we see behavior which we cannot condone and will not tolerate. When that happens, we have a responsibility to take firm action in response.”

The conclusion of the appeals process comes a few days after a petition for an appeal of the suspension began circulating online, through The Petition Site website.

In the petition, which, as of press time had 834 electronic signatures, the authors called for an appeal on the grounds of the sanction being inappropriate for the violation.

In the petitioned appeal, they asked for the five-year suspension, the 300-hour community service requirement, the $2,000 fine and the demand they move out of Greek Court be “immediately, and forever vacated.”

Along with those requests, the petition also asked to reinstate Dajon Sherman and Jajuan Jefferies as students with good standings.

The press release did not reference the two men mentioned in the petition.

The “Barn Party” incident took place on Sept. 15, after an almost 1,000-person party allegedly hosted by Phi Beta Sigma ended in gunshots. Two gunshot victims and one battery victim were transported to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

A subsequent pause on late-night on-campus parties was lifted after new policies went into effect, centering on how ticket distribution was handled.

The Charleston Police Department is still investigating the incident.

Bob Galuski can be reached at 581-2812 or dennewsdesk@gmail.com.