U Of M Suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Over Conduct Violations
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The University of Minnesota suspended a fraternity for over a year due to multiple student conduct code violations.
According to the university, the Minnesota chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was suspended after a complaint was leveled against the fraternity in March 2015. The nature of the complaint includes harm to person, disorderly conduct, illegal or unauthorized possession or use of drugs or alcohol, providing alcohol to minors, thefts or property damage or vandalism, and hazing.
In June of 2015, the chapter was found responsible by the Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and Student Unions and Activities.
The decision was appealed twice, but were unsuccessful and the chapter was suspended until June 2017. Extended probation and education requirements are also expected when the suspension is lifted.
On Thursday, the national headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon responded to the suspension:
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters has received the notice detailing the University of Minnesota's loss of recognition of our Minnesota Alpha chapter. Currently, our leadership is working to determine the next steps, which likely will involve strong sanctions for the group. We will not tolerate behavior or actions that deviate from our values and mission or those that jeopardize the well-being of our members. Sigma Alpha Epsilon maintains stringent guidelines and expectations though our health & safety program, and our leaders do not hesitate to take immediate action when guidelines are not followed properly.
At the same time, we are committed to working with university administrators because we value our partnership with them. And, much like UM, we require our members to live up to a code of conduct that sustains strong ethical standards, both on campus and in our communities.