WEST LAFAYETTE — Over a dozen Purdue University students have been suspended for violating the "Protect Purdue Pledge" by having a party inside a residence hall over the weekend.
Students at Purdue are required to adhere to the pledge, which states they will "Protect Myself, Protect Others and Protect our Purdue Community" from the spread of COVID-19 through a series of actions that can combat the virus.
Katie Sermersheim, associate vice provost and dean of students suspended the 14 students, including 13 student-athletes, after University Residences staff discovered a group party on Saturday.
The Purdue University Code of Conduct states that "students who violate the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge are subject to disciplinary action."
“This virus continues to be the demise of many universities and academic pursuits,” Sermersheim said. “The majority of our students are behaving admirably in following the Pledge and helping protect the Purdue community. For that, we are grateful, but we cannot let our guard down and must hold those who violate our community standards accountable.”
The 14 students suspended have until Wednesday to vacate their residence hall and may file an appeal, according to the university.
“On one hand, we are glad to have had only two of this type of incident in six weeks,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels, “but we will deal with any such violation with firmness. The fact that this episode involved student-athletes can make no difference. At Purdue, we have one set of rules for everyone.”
Read the full "Protect Purdue Pledge" below.
