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The University of Missouri has suspended Sigma Chi fraternity pending the results of an investigation.
According to a statement from University of Missouri spokesman Christian Basi, the Sigma Chi fraternity had been on disciplinary probation for violation of campus regulations, including rules governing alcohol use. The probation was set to expire in December.
While Mr. Basi was able to disclose that Sigma Chi had been suspended, he did not elaborate into what policies the fraternity violated.
Sigma Chi is just one of seven fraternities at the University of Missouri that are currently suspended, joining Farmhouse, Kappa Alpha Order, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Sigma Pi.
As a result of their suspension, the fraternity will be barred from participating in the Greek Life activities accompanied with Homecoming on October 20.
This is the latest major fraternity or sorority lawsuit, investigation, 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 Lambda 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, West Virginia University, and Penn State University have introduced new Greek Life rules to try and prevent these problems.
