Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Iowa University Suspended by National HQ
ByThe latest in the string of fraternities being kicked off from the college over hazing, the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been suspended from the University of Iowa campus.
In most of the cases reported in the past year the universities had taken the measure to suspend the frats. In this case, the order of suspension came directly from the national headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Illinois.
According to the statement issued by the headquarters, in addition to the suspension and closure of Iowa Beta chapter at the University of Iowa, all the members of the chapter have been expelled from the fraternity.
"This decision by the national organization comes as a result of hazing and the chapter's failure to comply with our standards, guidelines and policies set forth by the membership agreement and Sigma Alpha Epsilon's governing laws," says the statement.
It also added that, the fraternity's board of directors 'will not tolerate hazing or behavior that violates risk-management policies or the general guidelines for chapter operations.'
The University of Iowa has expressed its full support to the decision made by the fraternity leaders. It said it won't 'tolerate hazing or unsafe and illegal consumption of alcohol in any of its student organizations.'
"As such, we fully support the swift action taken this weekend by Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national organization," the university's statement read.
The university is also conducting an independent investigation into individual violations of the Code of Student Life.
Due to the suspension, the chapter-house property where the members live will be closed and they have been asked to make some alternate arrangements.
The university has announced that it would assist the displaced student members in the process of finding new living arrangements, but added that currently no university-owned housing spaces are available.
Apparently, the university had earlier received complaints of hazing in 2008 and 2009 against the fraternity. UI officials were checking those records Tuesday and no specific details of those incidents or sanctions were available, reports KCRG.
Since the hazing death of Robert Champion, a member of Marching 100 band at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, universities across states have strengthened their policies regarding the practice of hazing in fraternities and sororities.