Judge Dismisses Frat’s $10M Lawsuit Against Miami U.
OXFORD, Ohio — A federal judge on Monday dismissed Miami University’s Phi Kappa Tau chapter’s $10 million lawsuit against the college, citing that the fraternity failed to submit facts to support that the university violated the organizations constitutional rights against unreasonable search and seizure and due process.
The university suspended the chapter, as well as another fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, following an Aug. 19 incident where the two groups were shooting fireworks at each other. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a baggy of marijuana and pipes, the Associated Press reports.
In its lawsuit, Phi Kappa Tau said the university acted with “malice, hatred and ill will,” by suspending the group. As part of the suspension, the organization’s youngest members — all sophomores — must move into student housing, which the fraternity said will cost it at least $130,000. The group also stated that the university has ruined the reputations of fraternity members.
U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott, however, agreed with university officials who said the chapter’s suspension acted in the best interest of student safety and followed written policy. In addition to dismissing the case, she denied Phi Kappa Tau’s request to refile the complaint.
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