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Quinnipiac University has been suspended the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity for two years after an investigation. The suspension of the fraternity is effective immediately. This is not the first time the fraternity has been in trouble with the university, as a cease-and-desist order was handed down back in 2015 due to hazing.
At this time, it is not clear why the fraternity was suspended, as the university has not disclosed the findings of their investigation. The university did, however, release a statement about Sigma Phi Epsilon’s suspension:
“The university has suspended the chapter of the fraternity in question for two years following a thorough investigation regarding actions that occurred during the Spring 2018 semester,” a statement from Quinnipiac University said.
Due to the suspension, the fraternity cannot operate in any way. Catherine Pezzella, director of campus life for fraternity and sorority life, said that the suspension includes “hosting events, participating in community-wide activities, recruiting and gather for the purpose of doing business.”
This is the latest major fraternity or sorority suspension or closure in the last year, as schools such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State and Penn State have all suspended fraternities in the wake of hazing and alcohol deaths.
These reports come amidst similar allegations that have been made against fraternities nationwide, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon at East Carolina University, who were shut down for hazing and the Lamda Chi Alpha chapter at the University of Arkansas which has been accused of taking sexually explicit photographs of women without their permission.
In response to incidents like these, fraternities such Phi Kappa Psi have made numerous changes to their code of conduct in an effort to address the issues that have arisen. In addition, schools such as Texas State have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
