March 6, 2006
Purdue suspends fraternity for hazing violation
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue officials today (Monday, March 6), in conjunction with Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Headquarters, announced the suspension of the Indiana Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon until May 2007 for violating the university's hazing regulations.
Sigma Phi Epsilon, 690 Waldron St., was suspended after an investigation into allegations surrounding a Nov. 15 event at the house. According to a report from the Office of the Dean of Students, alcoholic beverages were provided to minors during the event; associate members – pledges – were encouraged to drink alcohol, participate in drinking games and were allowed to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol in a short period of time; and one associate fraternity member was hospitalized for excessive alcohol consumption.
"Purdue takes hazing violations very seriously," said Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students. "It is especially troubling when a student's health is jeopardized.
"If the organization fails to comply with the established rules, this most likely will result in stricter sanctions, such as an extended suspension or withdrawal of recognition."
Under the terms of the disciplinary action, Sigma Phi Epsilon can petition to have the suspension lifted on May 1, 2007. If the suspension is lifted, the fraternity will be on probation until May 1, 2008, at which time the chapter may petition for full status once again.
The findings and disciplinary actions can be appealed by submitting a request in writing to Catherine Sleeth, the chair of the Campus Appeals Board, by 5 p.m. March 10, Malavenda said.
Although Sigma Phi Epsilon will maintain a formal connection with the university, the chapter no longer has the rights, privileges or protections the university grants to organizations in good standing. It cannot participate in university-sponsored events, such as Homecoming or Grand Prix; receive university funding; use university facilities for any event or activity; or use the university's logos, trademarks or name.
Stipulations for Sigma Phi Epsilon's suspension require:
• A membership review conducted by the Sigma Phi Epsilon headquarters and/or alumni board prior to the spring 2006 new member pinning ceremony.
• Registration of all spring 2006 members with Sigma Phi Epsilon headquarters by March 5.
• A new membership development program.
• New member programs that last no more than eight weeks or a shorter duration set by Sigma Phi Epsilon headquarters during suspension and probation.
• A chapter development program consistent with the terms and guidelines of Sigma Phi Epsilon's Balanced Man Program.
• That all new member activities begin after 6 a.m. and conclude prior to 11 p.m.
• Sponsorship of a campuswide education program and contribution of $3,000 to the 2006 Indiana Greek Leadership Conference; at least 80 percent chapter attendance at 2006 Indiana Greek Leadership Conference.
• Adoption of Sigma Phi Epsilon Headquarters' Leadership Continuum, which includes participation in Carlson Leadership Academy and Ruck Leadership Institute.
• A plan for the continuous improvement of the chapter and its programs established through collaboration with Sigma Phi Epsilon headquarters.
The chapter also is encouraged to sponsor an alcohol education program.
"In addition to the actions taken by Purdue University, SigEp is surcharging the chapter $5,000 for violating risk management policies," said Christopher McCaw, director of chapter services at the Sigma Phi Epsilon national headquarters. "Our office is working with alumni volunteers to change the culture in this chapter and to return it to good standing with the university."
In the past five years, two other fraternal organizations have been sanctioned following incidents of hazing that included alcohol. Both were put on probation.
Purdue regulations define hazing as any activity that interferes with scholastic activities, creates a substantial risk or physical harm, or degrades any person. Punishments can range from a verbal or written warning to withdrawal of recognition of the student organization.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Sources: L. Tony Hawkins, dean of students, (765) 494-1239
Pablo Malavenda, (765) 494-1232, pablo@purdue.edu
Christopher McCaw, (804) 353-1901, ext. 326
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
To the News Service home page