Lee University addresses vandalism claim about Parksville Lake island
Julie Thornton Johnson / Facebook
POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — One woman is concerned after she says a fraternity vandalized an island on Parksville Lake. The university confirms they are now addressing the incident.
She says there are two islands on the lake, which have been shrinking in size throughout the years.
But now, she says members of Theta Delta Kappa from Lee University littered the island with their flag and cut down trees.
Her full Facebook post reads:
Parksville lake sits in the Cherokee National Forest and is a gorgeous body of water surrounded by beauty. There are two small islands which you can see from HWY 64. One is known as “piss ant island” It’s gotten smaller and smaller over the years, yet the trees have done their best to hang on and were flourishing. That is until members of Theta Delta Kappa from Lee University took it upon themselves to litter the island with their flag and cut down the trees. They have left proof of their damage and left the island with no chance of Re growth for these trees. I’m not sure who I need to contact about the damages that have forever been done to the island, but rest assured it’s at the top of my priority list to report this to local law enforcement and our forest service. Leave no Trace! If we don’t protect our lands, there will be none left to protect! Feel free to share!
Now, Lee University has responded to the incident.
Officials say they are aware of the incident and are working to handle it.
In an email, Lee University said:
“The university is aware of the incident and has been in touch with members of the club, who are cooperating with the process, providing the necessary information, and are ready to take whatever steps necessary to remedy this situation. This is an unfortunate event and does not reflect our core value of responsible citizenship for our students. Lee is proud to be situated in this beautiful region and thankful for the opportunities it affords the Lee community and would never condone vandalism or defacement of property of any type.”
It is unclear what actions the university will take toward the fraternity members.
Johnson updated her original post following the university’s response.
She says the president of Lee University has reached out to her, and school officials assured her that they are taking the matter seriously.
