The University of Michigan branch of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity partied a bit too hard at a resort in northern Michigan last month, causing up to $430,000 in damages that the fraternity might refuse to pay, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The general manager of the Treetops Resort, Barry Owens, told the Detroit Free Press that the expenses from the fraternity's damages were four times larger than the original estimate of $100,000:
If you just look at our out-of-pocket expenses, things we've paid to contractors, third parties, it's around $230,000. It doesn't take into consideration management time or damage to the resort's reputation. Our accountants and attorneys are saying that this could be up to an additional $200,000.
Owens said that a representative from Sigma Alpha Mu indicated that the fraternity might not pay the fee.
"It also has become evident that the fraternity representatives have suggested that they are unwilling to pay for the damage that they caused the resort," Owens said in the statement.
The Treetops Resort did not immediately return BuzzFeed News' request for comment. A spokesperson for the resort on Saturday said that the fraternity had paid $25,000, but were "unwilling to accept liability and pay restitution."
The Michigan branch of Sigma Alpha Mu released a statement on their website, however, stating they would take "full responsibility for this incident."
We are embarrassed and ashamed of the behavior of a few of our chapter members at Treetops Resort over the weekend of January 17-18. This behavior is inconsistent with the values, policies, and practices of this organization. Our chapter accepts full responsibility for this incident and we will be working with the management of the resort to pay for all damages and cleaning costs. We will work within our own organization and with university officials to hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.
The national branch of Sigma Alpha Mu didn't respond to BuzzFeed News' requests for comment.
On Friday, the University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel banned Sigma Alpha Mu from campus life for four years, which is the strictest action the school can take against a student organization.
Sigma Delta Tau, the frat's sorority sister, was also placed on a two-year suspension because its members "stood by at Treetops Resort and allowed others to vandalize the facility," the university said in the statement.
