By Melissa Boyd and Craig Foster (Whetstone staff writers)

Brawls between two fraternities of Wesley College left at least one student expelled, several others suspended and both organizations on probation.

According to reports, the fight first started the evening of Oct. 28, at a local bar, Loockerman Exchange, and continued on Loockerman Street after bouncers had begun throwing people out.

Those involved had been identified as members of Phi Kappa Sigma and Alpha Phi Delta. The two fraternity houses are both located on Governors Street, which fueled the already tense situation.

The bouncers and one inactive member of Phi Kappa Sigma evidently marched to the Alpha Phi Delta house on Governors Avenue, got into the door, and began fighting with APD members inside.

More than one witness said mace was sprayed and at least one punch was thrown.

At least four more fights between members of the Greek organizations were witnessed over the course of three days.

Since the houses are located directly in front of the Malmberg dorms, the incidents drew a lot of attention from students both on and off campus.

Sean McAndrew, a senior at Wesley who lives on Governors Avenue, said he saw the beginning of the brawl.

“I remember seeing the fight start at the bar and brushing it off,” he said. “That sort of stuff happens all the time so it didn’t faze me. When I got home, though (on Governors Avenue), and saw that there were mobs of people yelling violently at each other on the street I knew right away it was going to get ugly.”

The fights and their aftermath didn’t draw the attention of students alone, however.

National representation of both fraternities and Wesley College staff became involved.

“We had a police report and started our own investigation,” said Mary-Alice Ozechoski, head of student affairs.

Although 10 students were initially suspended, two were quickly reinstated when it was discovered they had nothing to do with it.

“All eight had either an educational conference (a one-on-one discussion with a college official) or a judicial suspension,” Ozechoski said.

Although police were involved, she said, “Charges have not been brought, but I do know the case is still open.”

One freshman suspected of instigating the fights has been thrown out indefinitely, pending further investigation, while some of the ones who have been suspended may be back as early as January.

The probation status of both fraternities will restrict them from sponsoring fundraisers, dances, social events, and might even limit some of their ability to accept new members.

Despite the severity of the fighting and expulsion and suspensions, no one has been arrested or faces legal charges.

“I continue to be very discouraged by the amount of fighting that goes on,” Ozechoski said. “They don’t seem to understand how big of a deal it is. But it’s a very big deal.”