Ohio University’s Singing Men of Ohio was put on a cease and desist order for all non-academic activities Monday for allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct and endangering the health and safety of its members.
Singing Men of Ohio, or SMO, is not permitted to meet in any capacity aside from academic coursework, sanctioned practices and university-sanctioned performances, according to the order sent to Director of Choral Activities Bradley Naylor. Any SMO trips for performances should include at least one professional staff member, the order also states.
An investigation for the allegations has been initiated by the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, or CSSR. The investigation will take place all day Thursday and Friday, and the outcome will be determined by Naylor, the College of Fine Arts and the Provost’s Office.
SMO had to supply a full list of its membership, including any potential new members, to Taylor Tackett, assistant dean of students and director of CSSR, by 5 p.m. on Monday. SMO also had to send Tackett a list of anyone who may have left SMO this year, their reasoning for leaving SMO if it is known and any documentation relating to their departure if it’s not related to graduation, according to the order.
Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said the university cannot provide additional details at this time.
SMO is a student organization but also a performing ensemble within the School of Music, according to OU’s website. It is the first organization during Fall Semester to receive a cease and desist order. Most recently, Sigma Chi fraternity was suspended from campus in July, according to a previous Post report. Delta Tau Delta fraternity was also suspended from campus in July, and it received a cease and desist order in February alongside Alpha Phi Alpha.
