Greenbutton isn’t the issue that the prosecutor has not given the defense all the tape? That she released edited versions or pieces of it on a jump drive? I could be wrong as I just glanced at an article about it.
The original DVR boxes and footage remain in police custody. Individuals associated with the fraternity signed seizure consent forms and turned the equipment over to police. They contend they thought it was just going to be copied and the original video would be returned to them. Understandably, the DA’s office is directing the police to retain control of the original video.
My understanding is that the prosecutor herself has a copy of the relevant footage that was shown to the Grand Jury. This is what she copied and turned over to the defense. They are not happy with that and want her to order the police to return the original video footage back to them. It’s my understanding that one of the responsibilities of the police is to preserve original evidence that might have been collected during an investigation. I think it would be highly unusual for them to release original evidence to one side during an active and ongoing case.
I haven’t seen the original court order but the prosecutor claims she is in compliance. Sure the Judge will sort this out.
Makes sense (the keeping of the original footage). What the defense attorneys might have a problem with is the concept of “relevant” footage if the defense only received pieces of the tapes…what’s relevant to the prosecutor may not be relevant to the defense and that’s not difficult for anyone to understand. I’m not sure why the prosecutor needs the equipment. She may very well have to make a copy of all the footage but yes, the judge will make the distinction between pieces of the footage and all of the footage and how long the equipment needs to be held. It’s a game. Always is and I’m sure just the beginning. We will be hearing bits and pieces for a long, long time under it’s all said and done.
Penn State trustees to weigh changes to Greek system
http://www.wfmz.com/news/pennsylvania/penn-state-trustees-to-weigh-changes-to-greek-system/511686641
I spent the past two days at PSU for New Student Orientation and there was discussion of this topic by a few of the speakers. I asked specific questions relating to the fall out regarding housing implications, recruitment, etc. I was told that no decisions have been made about anything. It seems that there is much still up in the air. I am not sure if this is a matter of the Trustees making decisions as cited in this article or a representation of edicts being made without thorough consideration to numerous ramifications of adjustments to Greek life. Time will tell.
Tangent Alert
I really don’t get why students keep pulling this crap.
At Carleton College 13 students were just this week suspended for hazing that involved heavy drinking. One sexual assault was reported. They were part of an underground social club. I am not certain if it was already existing or it was newly formed.
The city police are involved.
The suspensions are for 3 terms which equals one year there. I am assuming that they also cannot finish the current term. Both males and females were suspended.
To all of those that are saying ban all fraternities, this is what happens… From the article @“Snowball City” posted.
“The club is not sanctioned by Carleton, a highly regarded liberal arts school of roughly 2,000 students in Northfield that has never had fraternities or sororities”
“event on campus that has severely compromised” the college’s fundamental value of mutual respect “involved hazing and extreme alcohol consumption as part of initiation into a secret coed social club.”
So students schools that do not have greek systems still find a way.
For me, the difference is the way that the schools responded … no, well, this is a private thing not affiliated with us so our hands are tied. I appreciate Carleton’s quick, decisive response.
I can’t comment on Carleton but I went to a school with no fraternities or sororities. My kids go to the same school and there are still no frats or sororities. Of course there are parties where kids drink to excess. No mainstream college is immune from that, but the idea that Greek life, or some underground approximation of it, has to be a part of a college campus just isn’t true.
Privates have much more ability to regulate on and off campus activity than publics–law/constitution.
^ Exactly.
And I’ll never understand why someone would choose to go to an elite private college that expressly forbids Greek life and then form a secret society that emulates “Animal House” of all things.
When I think of all the heartbroken kids who get shut out of schools like Carleton every year and have to go to the big state flagship …
Penn State can’t suspend students for breaking its policies and/or breaking the law?
ETA: Lucie, I agree. My former Carl was shocked when I told him about this story. Not the culture of the place at all.
Policies must be fully in tune with laws–not go beyond them. Thus very hard to ban groups or those in groups unless they commit a crime.
They did commit a crime. There was underage drinking.
If you’re a parent who has a child (who are not 21). Have you ever ask them if they ever drink? I doubt they lied to you. That’s consider underage drinking.
Penn State to issue ‘report cards’ to frats after student’s hazing death…
In wake of frat death, Penn State hints at ‘drastic’ changes…
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/PSU-schedules-special-meeting-.html
Harry Truman’s desk had “The Buck Stops Here” on it. What a refreshing difference from the relentless shoulder shrugging and navel gazing going on among the involved parties.
If you ever wondered about the minimum fatal level of leadership, this example should help.
@bester1 “Penn State to issue ‘report cards’ to frats after student’s hazing death…”
This is the best thing that they can do! If they create a report card for all campus organizations, creating transparency about GPAs, violations such as reports of hazing, alcohol violations and rapes, etc this should help potential new members and their parents discern if the group is worthy of joining. Several other universities have this information readily available.
The groups that are violating university standards will cease to exist and those that are following the rules won’t be penalized for someone else’s infraction. The broad sweeping sanctions imposed on all now are not the answer.
Encouraged that Penn State is intentionally and methodically addressing a universal issue rather than capitulating to the precipitate, stamping “Off with their heads” crowd.
Hope that Barron continues his purposeful approach.
Hmmm. I wonder about this report card approach. Students already know what fraternities have bad reputations, and people still join them and flock to them for parties. That seems to me to be a “market” approach that could backfire.