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Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Arizona has been suspended from campus after an investigation by its national organization.
According to the SAE national headquarters, the University of Arizona chapter has been suspended following an investigation into health and safety violations.
Following the notification from the national SAE organization, Kendal Washington White, the UA’s Dean of Students, sent the chapter a loss of recognition letter.
via Arizona Daily Star:
“It is quite rare for a national office to shutter a chapter when the institution of higher education has not initiated a loss of recognition due to a violation of the Student Code of Conduct; however, SAE’s national leaders clearly identified disturbing behavior and practices that are not in line with their core values,” Dean of Students Kendal Washington White told the Arizona Daily Star in an email.
“I am impressed by their actions and hope that if SAE ever returns to campus, they will serve as a model for brotherhood, service and leadership.”
White told the Star that Sigma Alpha Epsilon did not provide the UA with details about the violations. Sigma Alpha Epsilon notified alumni and members of its UA chapter that the chapter had been disbanded, the news release said.
“We have tremendous respect for a fraternal organization that holds its members accountable for their actions.”
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 was 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.
