According to an email from Dean of Students, Smith Jackson, the university is investigating a trespassing incident involving several members of Kappa Sigma fraternity's new class.
Dean Jackson said Elon was notified of the situation by Abingdon, Virginia police. The police department said, on Thursday March 5, they encountered a group of 17 individuals, who said they were from Elon University, trespassing in the local cemetery.
Police said the gates of the cemetery are locked from dusk until dawn each night and the students were charged with "Trespassing in a Cemetery at Night." In Virginia, this is a Class 4 Misdemeanor, which is a fine of up to $250.
Dean Jackson said the cemetery is where one of Kappa Sigma's founders is buried and the new fraternity members said they were there to pay their respects. The group did not damage any property on cemetery grounds.
He also added while the university investigation on this incident is being conducted, Kappa Sigma's new member activities have been suspended.