Fraternity at Carnegie Mellon suspended amid allegations
Beta Theta Pi investigation continues
Bob Mayo
SOURCE: Bob Mayo
Carnegie Mellon University said it has suspended the operations and activities of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity on its Oakland campus while allegations involving images "of a sexual nature" are being investigated.The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office said it has had "discussions with CMU regarding recent behavior on campus." A local FBI spokeswoman said the bureau is not investigating but is available to assist the DA, if asked, through the Violent Crimes Against Children task force.In an email, CMU told students that it was notified about alleged videos and pictures taken in the frat house and sent to other members. Gina Casalegno, dean of student affairs, said investigators believe "a relatively small number of individuals are depicted" in the images.CMU President Jared Cohon said in a written statement that he's not presuming guilt but is "shocked and deeply disappointed" by the allegations.The university would not permit WTAE reporters or photographers on its private property to try to speak to local fraternity members."I think it's incredibly inappropriate what they were doing, and I don't blame the university for suspending them at all, and they should pay for their actions and suffer the consequences because I just don't think it's very appropriate at all," senior Nicole Dimascio said."Perhaps involving law enforcement might be a bit too much," sophomore Alex DeLuca said. "I don't think that they did anything that was really illegal, but it was a huge violation of trust of the people who sent those photos.""I think everyone's really shocked right now about hearing this information, and nobody really knows who was involved, particularly," junior Carolina Flores said.The national Beta Theta Pi website touts "developing men of principle for a principled life." Communications director Martin Cobb said the frat supports CMU's position and has also suspended the local chapter and is cooperating in the investigation.
PITTSBURGH —
Carnegie Mellon University said it has suspended the operations and activities of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity on its Oakland campus while allegations involving images "of a sexual nature" are being investigated.
The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office said it has had "discussions with CMU regarding recent behavior on campus." A local FBI spokeswoman said the bureau is not investigating but is available to assist the DA, if asked, through the Violent Crimes Against Children task force.
In an email, CMU told students that it was notified about alleged videos and pictures taken in the frat house and sent to other members. Gina Casalegno, dean of student affairs, said investigators believe "a relatively small number of individuals are depicted" in the images.
CMU President Jared Cohon said in a written statement that he's not presuming guilt but is "shocked and deeply disappointed" by the allegations.
The university would not permit WTAE reporters or photographers on its private property to try to speak to local fraternity members.
"I think it's incredibly inappropriate what they were doing, and I don't blame the university for suspending them at all, and they should pay for their actions and suffer the consequences because I just don't think it's very appropriate at all," senior Nicole Dimascio said.
"Perhaps involving law enforcement might be a bit too much," sophomore Alex DeLuca said. "I don't think that they did anything that was really illegal, but it was a huge violation of trust of the people who sent those photos."
"I think everyone's really shocked right now about hearing this information, and nobody really knows who was involved, particularly," junior Carolina Flores said.
The national Beta Theta Pi website touts "developing men of principle for a principled life." Communications director Martin Cobb said the frat supports CMU's position and has also suspended the local chapter and is cooperating in the investigation.