Dean asks Greeks to avoid Hi Hat

The USM dean of students asked Greek organizations not to use the university's name in association with events held at the HiHat 2000 nightclub in Hattiesburg.

Dean Eddie Holloway said it is his responsibility to warn students about the numerous counts of violence at the HiHat 2000 located at 811 Timothy Lane, events that have concerned many parents.

Holloway's letter cites the club as a "threat" to the safety and liability of organizations and requests the university and organization's name be withheld from "sponsorship" with events at the club.

"I gave them notice it is my judgment a university function - in terms of sororities and fraternities - with the name of USM should not be held there," said Holloway, who supervises the office of Greek Life.

Holloway said his request to students is not related to personal issues with the owner or business values of the club.

"There has been numerous accounts of problems at that facility, with many in the form of acts of violence with several persons who enrolled at our institution being injured," he said.

Holloway hasn't received any complaints from students.

"They understand they can frequent this place and leave USM's name off of it," he said.

Adam "Buck" Buckalew, president of the Interfraternity Council, said he trusts Holloway's judgment and hasn't heard complaints from fraternity members, only concerns about future parties.

"I believe if he's already expressed his judgment he's had time to think about it rationally and make a fair and just decision," he said.

"He wouldn't suggest something that would be a disadvantage to the organizations. He's here to help the organizations not hurt us."

Maggie Wesley, president of the Panhellenic Council, said Holloway's request hasn't created problems among the university's sororities, though she's heard concerns about other party locations.

"Sometimes it's hard to find a place to host parties in Hattiesburg," she said. "But all the sororities are definitely doing their best to comply to his wishes, and they are reasonable."