Officials at the University of Wisconsin at Madison recently closed down a fraternity after it hosted a “hick party” that violated the terms of the frat’s previous suspension.

The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity chapter at the school is no longer viable, campus officials announced.

“The theme of a ‘hick’ party is very concerning.”

Close

The theme of dress for the party was described as “country.” As part of the revelry, the fraternity hired buses to take celebrants to a variety of “hick bars” outside the city of Madison.

Students who learned of the frat’s suspension could only just shake their heads over the pervasive political correctness that’s occurring all across the country.

There is more to the story. Administration officials may have been “looking” for a reason to shut down the frat, said some sources.

“The fraternity had been on suspension since December, for violations including illegal consumption of alcohol and policies governing health and safety, officials said [recently] in a statement,” the site Barstool Sports reported. “The Committee on Student Organizations ruled … the fraternity had violated four provisions of the code of conduct related to hosting an event while under suspension, failing to follow proper protocol while serving alcohol, and violating the code of conduct while under suspension.”

Related: 8 Outrageous Campus Bans

So the termination perhaps was not just about the “hick party” — but might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

While no reasonable person would ever condone dangerous or illegal behavior, it’s still worth closely examining the language used to describe the reasons for shutting down the frat.

“While not a policy violation, the theme of a ‘hick’ party is very concerning and would not seem to be within the standards expected of any student organization,” an assistant dean wrote.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: Brown University’s Safe Space

The dean of students also wrote in a statement about the action: “I am deeply concerned by the pattern of health, safety, and legal violations that has emerged at this student organization’s events. In addition, its promotion of an event that insults people of a rural background is completely contrary to the values UW-Madison stands for and the positive, inclusive behaviors we encourage our students to engage in.”

Hicks, too, may now need their own safe space on campus.