Fraternity Banished
By Adam Jennings, Intern News Reported
The fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon is no longer being recognized by Appalachian State University.
In response to a hazing incident during the fall 2010 semester, the fraternity has been stripped of its university recognition and national charter.
The decision to revoke the chapter’s recognition and charter follows an incident of hazing, which also uncovered unseen issues within the fraternity, said Kyle Jordan, assistant director for fraternity and sorority life.
“Road trips and scavenger hunts are not permitted, and there was a combination of those activities,” Jordan said.
The fraternity’s trip to East Carolina University also led East Carolina to revoke their chapter’s recognition, Jordan said.
Jordan added that other, more local issues were uncovered during the investigation.
“This event was what brought them up for investigation, but there were some other things that were determined during the investigatory process that stemmed from other issues happening here locally,” Jordan said.
The fraternity, which had been on suspension from the prior semester, was reinstated on Aug. 25. However, the fraternity’s actions violated the “no hazing” policy while it was on specific probation with the university, according to a press release.
“In accordance with the recommendations of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board, Sigma Phi Epsilon will be eligible for re-colonization in fall 2014,” according to the press release.
J.J. Brown, associate vice chancellor and dean of students, said stressing zero tolerance for hazing was most important.
“Hazing is not acceptable at all, and it’s something we’re going to take very seriously,” Brown said. “That’s not what this campus is about, and that’s not what the Greek experience is about.”
However, Brown added he felt the fraternity’s eligibility to be reinstated in 2014 was fair as long as there was recognition of the importance of safety.
“Greek community is an important part of the Appalachian experience for a lot of students and it’s a phenomenal leadership opportunity,” Brown said. “But with that comes great responsibility and we can’t take any risks associated with any sort of hazing.”
