14 students suspended for violation of Protect Purdue Pledge

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Fourteen Purdue students, including 13 student-athletes, have been suspended by Purdue University for violations of the Protect Purdue Pledge. Katie Sermersheim, associate vice provost and dean of students, issued the summary suspensions after University Residences staff discovered the group having a party in a residence hall on Saturday (Sept. 26). Per the university Code of Conduct, students who violate the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge are subject to disciplinary action.

Sermersheim reminded students to continue to follow the Protect Purdue Pledge and Purdue’s student Code of Conduct.

“This virus continues to be the demise of many universities and academic pursuits,” she said.  “The majority of our students are behaving admirably in following the Pledge and helping protect the Purdue community. For that, we are grateful, but we cannot let our guard down and must hold those who violate our community standards accountable.” 

The students have until Wednesday to vacate their residence hall and may file an appeal of this interim action. 

“On one hand, we are glad to have had only two of this type of incident in six weeks,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels, “but we will deal with any such violation with firmness. The fact that this episode involved student-athletes can make no difference. At Purdue, we have one set of rules for everyone.”

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.

Journalists visiting campus: Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:

• Campus is open, but the number of people in spaces may be limited. We will be as accommodating as possible, but you may be asked to step out or report from another location.
• To enable access, particularly to campus buildings, we recommend you contact the Purdue News Service media contact listed on the release to let them know the nature of the visit and where you will be visiting. A News Service representative can facilitate safe access and may escort you on campus.
• Correctly wear face masks inside any campus building, and correctly wear face masks outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.