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Bound and Dumped: Cornell University & The 2011 Death of George Desdunes

Bound and Dumped: Cornell University & The 2011 Death of George Desdunes. http:// i.telegraph.co.uk /multimedia/archive/01933/geo_1933392c.jpg. Queneisha J. Harvey PR Research & Strategies; Florida A&M University March 27, 2012. The Event: Feb. 25,2011.

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Bound and Dumped: Cornell University & The 2011 Death of George Desdunes

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  1. Bound and Dumped: Cornell University& The 2011 Death of George Desdunes http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01933/geo_1933392c.jpg Queneisha J. Harvey PR Research & Strategies; Florida A&M University March 27, 2012

  2. The Event: Feb. 25,2011 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity House • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity member George Desdunes was found unresponsive laying on a couch inside of the fraternity’s house. • Initial news report: Desdunes was rushed to Cayuga Medical Center where he later died. “Alcohol consumption may have played a role in death.” • Death appears to be accidental; suicide is not suspected. Police declined further details. • Search warrant was put out to search the fraternity house. • Forensic autopsy report will be released after one week http://static.ivygateblog.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/100-1692.jpg

  3. Backstory • Desdunes voluntarily consumed a large amount of alcohol before consenting to take place in a “mock kidnapping” • Anonymous woman who was with Desdunes the night he died said that he expressed concern about the ritual • SAE “mock kidnapping” ritual • Pledges are bound by their hands and wrists with zip tie and duct tape • Then they are taken to another apartment on campus and asked several questions about the organization • If pledges answer wrong they are forced to do exercise and guzzle booze and flavored drinks • Desdunes passed out and was bought back to • the frat house and was dumped on the couch • Housekeeper calls 911 http://www.thegrio.com/assets_c/2011/07/georgededun-thumb-400xauto-20921.bmp

  4. Media Highlights • March 1: Vice President for Student and Academic Services Susan Murphy temporarily suspends SAE after investigation reveals alcohol. • March 18: University withdraws recognition of SAE for at least 5 years. All members living in frat house must vacate by March 31 • March 21: SAE Chapter at University of Michigan expelled for hazing charges • March 27: 6 SAE freshman fraternity pledges who was there the night Desdunes died leaves campus a12b6c7fd4be.jpg http://images.news10now.com/media/2011/2/28/images/Desdunes1cfde904-7d4e-44fa-9cf5-a12b6c7fd4be.jpg

  5. The Story Continues • May 6: Four students charged in connection with Desdunes death • By June: Story picked up by ABC News • June 29:Marie Lourdes Andres files a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against SAE and 20 of it’s members • By July: The story picks up by NBC News • August 2011: President David Skorton “A Pledge to end Fraternity Hazing.” http://static.ivygateblog.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/3-skorton-banner-hi.jpg http://media.wbng.com/images/470*264/Sigma+Alpha+Epsilon.JPG

  6. The Story Continues • September 2011: a letter from six fraternity presidents urging all houses come together and save the Greek system • “The Greek system is stereotypically viewed as an outlet for undergraduates…” • “All of these things that happen on a daily basis are overshadowed and ignored when one bad incident occurs.” • January 2012: Tau Kappa Epsilon loses recognition after alcohol-related hospitalization of a freshman pledge • Following Desdunes death and suspension of SAE, 16 members were taken in by TKE http://www.whitman.edu/tau_kappa_epsilon/frontporchlarge.jpg

  7. PR Lessons Learned What worked well What did not work well The President of the university speaking out 7 months after incident. The fraternity members not making a statement about the death of their brother. The fraternity TKE taking in 16 pledges who were there when Desdunes died. Not speaking about the 6 students who left the university • Immediate suspension of SAE • Quick autopsy reports and investigation • Not covered by many media outlets http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/7/2011/06/explore_gawker_videos_2079.jpg

  8. Lessons for FAMU Do this… Don’t do this… Try to hide what has happened, take responsibility and move forward Hire outside personnel to save the university, use the people who knows the university the best: faculty, staff, & students • Be proactive when an incident occurs, give answers • Release information about what is going to be done, instead of dwelling on the event http://collegefootballbelt.com/Logos/Florida%20A&M%20logo.gif

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