FGCU chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon closed by national headquarters

Article fully quoted from the Bonita Daily News:

By JULIO OCHOA, jfochoa@naplesnews.com
February 25, 2005

A troubled fraternity at Florida Gulf Coast University had its chapter officially closed by its national headquarters last week.

The decision means Sigma Phi Epsilon is no longer a fraternity at FGCU.

Sigma Phi Epsilon's national headquarters informed the university the local chapter was closed because its behavior did not adhere to the values of the national fraternity, said Susan Evans, spokeswoman for FGCU.

A spokesman and regional director for Sigma Phi Epsilon's national headquarters did not return calls for comment Thursday afternoon.

Chris Ravelo, the president of the now-defunct local chapter, refused to comment.

Sigma Phi Epsilon had been in trouble with the university in the past for incidents of fighting and alcohol. Earlier this month it was suspended by the university until the end of the fall 2005 semester because some of its members were involved in a scavenger hunt that had them searching for items that university officials said were inappropriate.

The list included 51 items, many of which were denigrating to women and other groups, Evans said.

Some of the items on the list included a "picture of a white trash couple at Wal-Mart," "hottest girl picture (extra points if naked)," "picture of girl flashing (has to be of age)" and "picture with a bum."

Though the chapter is closed, university officials made a commitment to the national office to consider allowing the fraternity back onto campus in a few years, Evans said.

"After a few years we would be open to discussing that with them," she said.

However, in the future, the rules may be more strict for all Greek organizations, Evans said.

"When you have something like this happen with one of the early groups, it makes it more difficult for those who come behind because this is not the kind of behavior that we expect to see from our students," she said.

The loss of the fraternity will be felt across campus and throughout the community, said Colin Benner, vice president of the student body.

Benner said the punishment may have been a little harsh, considering all of the community service the fraternity has done in the past.

"I think it's disappointing that it came to this," Benner said. "I felt the university's punishment was a little surprising. It's sad this one blemish on a superior record of service has caused them to be gone."

Naples Daily News: Bonitanews