USC fraternity council president ousted after crackdown on alcohol rules

The University of South Carolina’s Fraternity Council voted to remove its president Monday after 13 chapters were suspended temporarily from recruiting new members because of accusations they violated alcohol rules.

Nine chapters quickly were cleared of the allegations. All were allowed to resume new-member recruitment within two weeks after their suspensions.

“Finding common sense out of stupidity is difficult,” council president Tim Bryson said after his dismissal.

Bryson said the chapters voting to remove him are “reinforcing a culture that sends kids to the hospital.”

A USC fraternity pledge died from alcohol poisoning in March. The 2014-15 school year saw three USC fraternity chapters closed because of alcohol, drugs and hazing allegations.

USC administrators, including president Harris Pastides, praised Bryson and other Fraternity Council leaders for suspending the chapters on Aug. 31 after receiving reports they had violated rules that ban alcohol from rush activities.

However, four unidentified chapter leaders asked the Fraternity Council to impeach Bryson and Jonathan Withrow, the council’s vice president for conduct, saying they violated council rules in suspending the fraternities.

Withrow resigned last week after an impeachment hearing.

A two-thirds vote of fraternity presidents was needed to remove Bryson.

“The University of South Carolina Fraternity Council appreciates the dedication and leadership Mr. Bryson has provided for the Fraternity Council during his tenure,” the council said in a statement Monday. “He has led the council towards a better community.”

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 7:06 AM with the headline "USC fraternity council president ousted after crackdown on alcohol rules."