USC fraternity council president removed from office

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

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

Bryson said 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 during a school year when three chapters closed because of alcohol, drugs and hazing allegations.

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

Nine of the 13 chapters, however, were cleared of the allegations. All the chapters were allowed to resume new-member recruitment within two weeks after their suspensions.

Four unidentified chapter leaders asked the Fraternity Council to impeach Bryson and Jonathan Withrow, the vice president for conduct, for violating 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. “He has led the council towards a better community.”

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 7:45 PM.