MEMPHIS, TN - Fraternities at the University of Memphis took the first step toward getting their suspensions lifted.
On Monday, November 23, 2009, hundreds of frat members attended a mandatory workshop on safety and risk management.
The university suspended all social events on frat row two weeks ago after several troubling incidents.
Three pledges were arrested for public intoxication and misdemeanor theft. An East Memphis man held the students at gunpoint until Memphis Police arrived. He told cops the pledges had stolen a statue off his porch.
Also last month, a fire started at the Alpha Tau Omega house. No one was injured, but U of M officials say the fire is more proof that a safety workshop is needed.
"The main point is to be sure they have events that are safe," says Dean of Students Dr. William Porter, "and that students who attend these events are going to be safe. The fraternities need to understand their obligations to create safe environments for students."
At least 50-percent of a fraternity's members were required to show up for Monday's workshop.
And in order to get their suspensions removed, each fraternity much also submit a safety plan to the Dean's office.
