Western officials have taken action against 15 people in connection with a fight that broke out on South Campus and then moved near Pearce-Ford Tower on Oct. 22.

Three students were suspended from Western, President Gary Ransdell said in an e-mail yesterday to faculty, staff and students.

Nine students were put on probation and face further disciplinary action in connection with the fight, Ransdell said. That means if they misbehave while on campus, they’ll be suspended.

Two students were banned from student housing, he said.

One non-student has been banned from Western’s campus and will be arrested if seen at any Western facility or function, he said.

The degree of punishment was based on the level of involvement of the individuals, Ransdell said.

The punishments will prevent those individuals from causing another incident, he said.

“Nobody can say nothing will ever happen, but we are taking every precaution we can,” he said. “My understanding is that this brings the primary matter to a conclusion, but we could learn more over time.”

Western isn’t releasing the names of the students because student records are confidential, said Bob Skipper, director of media relations.

Student affairs and campus police are continuing the investigation, he said.

Howard Bailey, vice president for student affairs, declined to comment on whether the students could regain the privileges they lost.

He said Western will release any new information when it’s available.

It was originally reported that there were armed men on South Campus and shots fired near PFT on Oct. 22. Those reports were not confirmed.

Officials said the incident appeared to be nothing more than a fight that was linked to another fight at a Black Men of Western event on Oct. 18.

Officials said no members of the organization were involved in the fight.

Reach Michelle Day at news@chherald.com.