Lets Change Fraternity Culture Regarding Sexual Assault

As an organization SigEp has focused on the concept of "Sound Mind; Sound Body" for the last several years. That is now part of our core. Our academic progress across all chapters has been amazing since grades became something we measure. SigEp has also made great strides in the areas of diversity and inclusion is a relatively short time.

Now it's time for SigEp as an organization to address another negative stereotype about "Frat Boys" - sexual assault. And by "address" I mean more than scary stories in a risk management presentation.

We need to remember that "Virtue" is also a Cardinal Principle.We are instructed to "behave with decency as befits the day." Even - perhaps especially - when alcohol is involved. Lets work toward actively promoting Virtue as a SigEp quality.

How shall we move toward a culture that does not accept this type of behavior? Can we consciously build an atmosphere in out chapters where "this is NOT what SigEp does" is communicated from the national level, to the local volunteer level, to chapter leadership, and to the members? I asked these questions at the Ft. Worth "Volunteer Drive-In Training" session last week. The response I got was "You are the word junky, How would you craft the message?"

Fair enough. If you complain you get to volunteer. So here is what I think:

• From the top down, the message about sexual assault should be "This is not accepted SigEp behavior." A balanced man does not assault his date, or his 'new friend', "I plead drunken stupor" is not an excuse. 
• It's no longer 'cool' to slut-shame someones daughter.  
• If fighting is a standards board offence, then sexual assault belongs there too. Yes, that would mean you could get penalized or even kicked out. 
• We get lots of scary cases and 'what ifs' during the inevitable Sexual assault portion of risk management presentations. How about making a positive case for acting like a gentleman? Add more "act like this" to all the "don't do that."
• Find a way to measure and reward positive behavior. This could be tough since we are talking more about the absence of bad actions, but maybe some of the professionals could suggest metrics.

That should be enough to get the discussion started. Lets hear from you now. Pro, con, too far out, not drastic enough? Have at it.

Here is a link to the article that had the video attached:

Fraternity Culture Linked To College Sexual Assault Problem | KPBS:

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What happened at Mississippi Alpha (Ole Miss) - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

A letter from the Grand President explaining how the decision was made to close the Ole Miss. chapter.

Email - What happened at Mississippi Alpha (Ole Miss) - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

As you may already know, SigEp’s National Board of Directors recently made the difficult decision to close our chapter at the University of Mississippi. This decision followed revelations that the chapter had committed serious acts of hazing, had perpetuated a culture of alcohol abuse, and was deliberately attempting to hide their behavior from our Fraternity’s staff and their local volunteers.

This painful moment in our history can be a learning opportunity for us and help us ensure that nothing like this occurs again.

What happened
Three years ago, a string of hazing incidents and extremely low academic performance led to a membership review at the University of Mississippi. This review revealed more instances of hazing, alcohol abuse and extremely poor member development practices that demanded serious attention.

We chose at that time not to shut the chapter down, but to make it a learning opportunity for the young men of Mississippi Alpha and an opportunity to develop plans for a different fraternity experience that achieves the goals of brotherhood and continuous development without the risky behaviors of the past. And, we committed to giving Mississippi Alpha whatever resources it needed.

Since then, members of our staff have made extra trips to Oxford to provide targeted training and program support. The chapter attended exclusive retreats in Birmingham, Ala. each January, where Past Grand President Steve Shanklin spent 24 hours with them reviewing goals and crafting a vision. And chapter members attended EDGE and Carlson Leadership Academies and received tailored check-in meetings with staff and volunteers.

Until recently, we believed those efforts were having a positive effect and that the chapter was improving.

In February, we reevaluated the state of the chapter’s operations and membership after learning that three freshmen members had been involved in the desecration of the James Meredith Statue on the Ole Miss campus. When we did, we learned that the chapter had continued to commit serious acts of hazing since the first membership review three years prior. Even more distressingly, the chapter had made a deliberate and concentrated effort to hide this behavior from their local volunteers, staff members and the university.

As SigEp’s National Board of Directors pored over the information uncovered, we were confronted by the fact that Mississippi Alpha members had demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to operate an experience that placed young men in dangerous and unhealthy situations. In light of these facts, we were forced to close the chapter.

Moving forward – how you can help
While it is always painful to see a chapter close, I am reminded today of the brothers and volunteers across the country who want a better fraternity experience than the one pursued by some members at Ole Miss.

As we recover from this blow to our national body, I’d ask you to take a moment to reflect on the status of your own chapter. What type of membership experience do you facilitate for your brothers? Where do you want to be five years down the road? What legacy will you leave for those who will follow you?

If your chapter has serious issues – including hazing – talk to your regional director and chapter volunteers now to get the help you need.

Closure occurs when a chapter has deliberately and consistently worked against their volunteers, staff and university to maintain a culture that is destructive and poisonous to our brothers. Being honest with volunteers and regional directors allows a chapter to grow and avoid the serious consequences of concealed behavior.

If you have additional questions about the situation at Ole Miss and the decision to close the chapter, please join us for an online broadcast on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, where CEO Brian Warren will answer questions live. To view the broadcast, simply open SigEp’s official YouTube page.

To submit questions in advance, please email comments@sigep.net. You may also email questions during the broadcast, but bear in mind that time may be limited if other questions have already been submitted. If you would like your question to be anonymous, please indicate so in your email.

Fraternally,


Phillip A. Cox
Grand President

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Ole Miss SigEp chapter took same-day action to kick out freshmen members

A report in the Nashville "Tennessean" newspaper says the MS Alpha chapter acted swiftly and decisively when they learned three of their members were involved in the James Meredith statue incident.
Based on this report It looks like the chapter did everything they could to take proper and timely action. The full investigation will still be needed, but lets hope the chapter itself is soon cleared from the cloud of suspicion and back in full operating order. 

Ole Miss Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter took same-day action to kick out freshmen members | The Tennessean | tennessean.com:

Written by

Therese Apel

(Excerpt)
The president of the Mississippi Alpha chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon said the very day that chapter members knew the people responsible for the desecration of the James Meredith statue on campus were in their own midst, they voted to kick them out of the fraternity.

"I learned about their involvement on Wednesday afternoon. By Wednesday night, the chapter had voted to expel all three, and we reported the information to the university and authorities," said SigEp president Jeremy Smith in written answers released by the fraternity's national headquarters

Smith, of St. Petersburg, Fla., said members of the brotherhood were "offended and outraged" at the knowledge that the three students who tied a noose around the neck of the Meredith statue and draped an old Georgia flag which features the confederate battle flag on it were SigEps.

"That three students who previously identified with our fraternity could do something like this has been a humbling experience," Smith said. "It has forced us to reconsider the process we use to evaluate new members and the assumption that this kind of behavior couldn’t occur in 2014."

On Friday, SigEp's national headquarters suspended the chapter indefinitely, citing a need to do a top-to-bottom review of the recruitment process in order to ensure that members who espouse racist beliefs would not be able to slip through the cracks and join the fraternity in the future.

SigEp responds to desecration of James Meredith statue

Fraternity announcement: SigEp responds to desecration of James Meredith statue:

After learning that three freshmen members of their chapter were responsible for desecrating the James Meredith statue on The University of Mississippi campus, the Mississippi Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity quickly voted to expel all three men, turning over their identities to university administrators and investigating authorities.

SigEp’s CEO Brian C. Warren Jr. said Thursday, “It is embarrassing that these men had previously identified with our Fraternity. SigEp as a national Fraternity has championed racial equality and issues on diversity since 1959 when it became the first national fraternity to invite members of all races, creeds and religions to join its membership. For this to occur in 2014 is an insult to the legacy of James Meredith, The University of Mississippi community, and the SigEp alumni who fought for racial equality in the late 1950s.”

SigEp has indefinitely suspended its University of Mississippi Chapter and asked that the chapter cease all operations. The Fraternity staff is working with chapter and alumni-volunteer leadership to conduct an internal investigation. The Fraternity intends to conduct a comprehensive review of the membership to ensure members’ values align with those espoused by the Fraternity. "We won’t allow the actions of a few men to undermine the more than five decades of leadership this Fraternity has demonstrated in the fight for racial equality and diversity on our college campuses,” said Warren.

View the press release PDF.

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3 booted from Ole Miss frat, SigEp chapter suspended

"We won't allow the actions of a few men to undermine the more than five decades of leadership this fraternity has demonstrated in the fight for racial equality and diversity on our college campuses,"
- Sig Ep CEO Brian C. Warren.

3 booted from Ole Miss frat, chapter suspended:

(Photo: Thomas Graning, The Daily
Mississippian/AP)

The Mississippi Alpha chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Ole Miss has been indefinitely suspended by its national headquarters, and three Ole Miss freshmen from Georgia have been kicked out of the fraternity after refusing to talk to police about a noose and Georgia flag found on the James Meredith statue on campus.

"Sig Ep has indefinitely suspended its University of Mississippi Chapter and asked that the chapter cease all operations," said a statement issued by the fraternity on Friday.

"The fraternity staff is working with chapter and alumni-volunteer leadership to conduct an internal investigation. The fraternity intends to conduct a comprehensive review of the membership to ensure members' values align with those espoused by the fraternity."

"We won't allow the actions of a few men to undermine the more than five decades of leadership this fraternity has demonstrated in the fight for racial equality and diversity on our college campuses," said Sig Ep CEO Brian C. Warren.

VIDEO: Feds investigate vandalism of statue at Ole Miss

The fraternity expressed shock and embarrassment at the behavior of the three.

"It is embarrassing that these men had previously identified with our Fraternity. Sig Ep as a national Fraternity has championed racial equality and issues on diversity since 1959 when it became the first national fraternity to invite members of all races, creeds and religions to join its membership," said Warren. "For this to occur in 2014 is an insult to the legacy of James Meredith, The University of Mississippi community, and the Sig Ep alumni who fought for racial equality in the late 1950s."

The three were declining through their attorneys late Thursday to be questioned by university police regarding the vandalism Sunday morning of the University of Mississippi's James Meredith statue, according to the university chief of police, Calvin Sellers.

Sellers said the University Police Department had gathered enough evidence by late Wednesday to bring charges through the student judicial process against two of the students, and both state and federal authorities were working in close coordination to determine whether criminal charges were applicable

Two of the students were those being sought by university police, but all three names had been prominent in the investigation, according to Sellers. He said the attorneys declined to make their clients available for questioning without an arrest warrant.

The university is satisfied that the three students under investigation are responsible for the statue's desecration, Blanton said. "Both federal and local authorities have done a very tough and thorough investigation and interviewed a lot of people to gather information," he said.

The FBI said Friday it planned to expand the investigation for potential violations of federal law.

The statue commemorates Meredith's 1962 entrance into Ole Miss, which marked the integration of the university. Meredith has declined to comment on the vandalism.

Therese Apel writes for the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss.

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Did Germany invent the "Frat House" 400 years ago?

A must see on your next visit to Heidelberg. Alas, no beer pong tables.

Heidelberg Studentenkarzer | Atlas Obscura:

Studentenkarzers, or private jail cells designated to punish students, were once the norm at many of Germany's schools of higher learning. But after the lock-ups became nothing more than party rooms, most of them were abandoned and some, such as the Heidelberg University Karzer, were permanently preserved.

Established in the 1600s as a means of allowing students to police other students, the karzers were simple rooms where young academics would be sent for minor offenses such as drunken conduct, insulting authorities or staging a duel. The accused would be forced to lodge in the jail for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, but was still allowed to attend classes and other primary academic functions. Over the years, being thrown into the karzer became a sort of rite of passage for the students, who would actively seek punishment. Eventually visitors were allowed and the jails devolved into party palaces, where the locked-up students would invite people over to celebrate their incarceration, marking the walls with graffiti, often from their respective fraternity houses.

No longer in use, the Heidelberg karzer has been preserved in its original state, including iron frame beds and wooden tables decorated by the etched writings of former students. The walls too have been left perfectly alone, still covered in the centuries-old scrawl of proud delinquents.    

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Indiana Alpha (Purdue) SigEps placed on probation

And yet another chapter has its wings clipped, so to speak. At least this time they can remain on campus while they work to get back in good graces with the university and HQ.
The list of offences is below, and ranges from underage alcohol to hazing to prescription drug abuse, and more. But the burning question from this article is "WTF kind of 'props' were they using to take lewd photos?" Inquiring minds want to know.

Purdue fraternity placed on probation | WLFI - West Lafayette, Indiana:

Purdue places a fraternity on probation for multiple violations.

Officials at Purdue University announced Wednesday that the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been placed on probation through May 15, 2017.

The probation stems from violations that include making alcohol available to minors, stealing sheet signs from other Purdue student organizations, hazing in the form of demeaning or intimidating behavior toward new members, and taking lewd photographs with props.

The Office of the Dean of Students under went an investigation and concluded that three members were using the chapter's text messaging system to make prescription drugs available. All of the incidents were reported during the fall 2013 semester.

"The length of this probation will give Sigma Phi Epsilon a chance to correct several organizational culture issues that need to be addressed in order for the group to remain part of the Purdue University community," Associate Dean of Students Jeffery Stefancic said.

"The assigned sanctions send a strong message that we have high expectations for Purdue's fraternity and sorority community and that certain behaviors will not be tolerated," Stefancic continued.

During the probationary period, Sigma Phi Epsilon cannot have alcohol at its chapter house or on any chapter property. It cannot sponsor or co-sponsor any function at which alcohol is served, and it cannot participate in any Purdue Grand Prix activities next spring or Homecoming activities next fall.

In addition, the chapter is required to have an alumni adviser present at all new member events through Aug. 15, 2015.

"Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity values its partnership with Purdue University and the collaborative effort to addresss concerns about the actions of certain members," said Kyle Sutton, director of the fraternity's Balanced Man program. "We look forward to supporting a fraternity experience for members committed to the highest standards of Purdue University and SigEp."

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UT (Tennessee) report: Put directors in frat houses

After the notorious "butt-chugging" incident made the UT fraternity system fodder for the late-night comedians, the university put together a task force to find ways to improve. They released their report a few days ago.

One "solution" sounds like mandating "Housemothers/fathers" or RAs for the fraternity houses. I wonder how that would work? Having a "political officer" who reports to the administration leaves a bad taste in my mouth. However, the idea of posting academic performance and ranking online, plus philanthropy activity AND chapter violations may have some merit. A time honored management principle is "you get what you measure". Keeping track of those types of metrics, and perhaps using them as a basis for a prestigious award, could be a powerful incentive. We all know how well that works for intramural sports and Homecoming activities.
What do you think? Is this a workable plan? here is a link to the University of Tennessee press release - you can get to the full report from there.

UT report: Put directors in frat houses | timesfreepress.com:

KNOXVILLE — A committee at the University of Tennessee has proposed remedies for rowdiness that made the campus the subject of late-night TV comedy.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported the committee’s recommendations include full-time directors living in fraternity houses, amnesty for drunken students and their friends when seeking medical help and the online posting of sanctions against fraternities and sororities.

“Alcohol, for this age group, is and will continue to be our biggest issue. It is the root of most of our crimes,” said UT Police Chief Troy Lane. “There obviously was an issue that made us all kind of decide enough is enough. But we’re really not dealing with anything that any other college isn't dealing with.”

The 11-page report released Thursday comes nearly six months after a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity member was brought to UT Hospital dangerously drunk. Police reports blamed the incident on a wine enema, which garnered national attention. That chapter and, later, the Phi Gamma Delta chapter have shut down at UT.

The 25-member task force was formed to find solutions to poor behavior among fraternities. Members include the UT police chief, students, alumni, faculty and staff. The chairman is local attorney Thomas Hale. The group met about every other week to form its recommendations.

The group found that 14 fraternities were sanctioned 30 times in the last five years, tallying 68 violations that include alcohol abuse, physical abuse, hazing and nudity.

Some of the task force recommendations are immediately moving forward, including expanding the university’s Greek recognition system. In addition to online listing of fraternities’ and sororities’ cumulative grade point averages and philanthropy work, the information will now include chapter violations.

Jeff Cathey, associate dean of students, said the university expects at least some fraternities to move quickly to add live-in advisers.

Also among the task force recommendations is the adoption of new educational programs for fraternities and sororities on hazing, managing risk, substance abuse and the code of conduct. The group also wants to review how effective and consistent campus rule enforcement is.

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SMU students turn themselves in for alleged assault at Sig Ep house

Is "Temporary Deferred Suspension" anything like "Double Secret Probation"?

SMU students turn themselves in for alleged assault at Sig Ep house | www.pegasusnews.com | Dallas/Fort Worth:

Sigma Phi Epsilon has been placed on
“temporary deferred suspension” following
a reported hazing incident and assault.

"DALLAS — Four male students turned themselves in to SMU Police on February 28 in connection with the February 10 alleged assault of another student at the Sigma Phi Epsilon House.

The students turned themselves in after warrants were issued for their arrest on Friday, February 22.

On February 10 a male SMU student reported that he had been held against his will and struck numerous times.

Kent Best said in a statement, “The students have been temporarily suspended from SMU pending the outcome of the legal process and any student conduct review proceedings.”

SMU Police sent their findings from their investigation to the Dallas County District Attorney’s office.

The SMU Police Department has not updated the daily crime report log."

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Northwestern : IFC kicks off annual winter recruitment - sans SigEp

Starting over at Northwestern.

The Daily Northwestern : IFC kicks off annual winter recruitment


For the Interfraternity Council, this year's recruitment will look a little different.
...
On the men’s side, the North Campus quad will offer a reshuffled set of options from a year ago. Gone are Chi Psi and Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Delta Tau Delta will participate in formal winter recruitment for the first time since their return to campus last year.
...
Despite disaffiliating all of its members following a membership review this fall, Sig Ep will not be leaving campus or the IFC. Instead, national representatives will be coming to NU this week, and the chapter will participate in some of the activities of formal recruitment, Sig Ep’s director of fraternity operations Andrew Lemens told The Daily on Tuesday. The headquarters began informational meetings on campus Wednesday and they will continue Thursday, according to the IFC website.

Sig Ep disaffiliates members following alumni review

The chapter members who were disaffiliated are “not eligible or invited" to join the new Sig Ep chapter on campus.

The Daily Northwestern : BREAKING: Sig Ep disaffiliates members following alumni review

BREAKING: Sig Ep disaffiliates members following alumni review
PAULINA FIROZI, MANAGING EDITOR
January 8, 2013

All members of Northwestern’s chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon are officially disaffiliated from the organization after the national fraternity suspended members this summer.

Andrew Lemens, Sig Ep’s director of fraternity operations, said the national fraternity intervened when questionable behavior exhibited by the brothers “got to a point where it was detrimental to their success.” He said a group of alumni was assigned to evaluate members of the fraternity through Fall Quarter and determined they would not be able to continue as members of Sig Ep.

“It became quickly apparent through interviews and some follow up processes that there weren’t any members in that current group who are capable of detaching themselves of the former chapter experience, who were willing and able to do the things necessary to sustain Sigma Phi Epsilon at Northwestern,” Lemens said.

Although no previous members will remain in the chapter, Sip Ep will remain affiliated with the University. Lemens said the national fraternity is working with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Division of Student Affairs to reestablish the organization with new members for Spring Quarter.

He said Sig Ep representatives will be on campus starting this week to begin recruiting unaffiliated men who are “interested in joining and building a premiere fraternity experience.” The organization will participate in some of the formal recruitment activities that begin for the Interfraternity Council this week.

How NOT to do a SigEp video.

The overwhelming majority of online videos about SigEp send a positive message about the fraternity and its members. Even the ones that show brothers displaying um, character flaws, are not generally mean spirited even if they don't show us in the best light. 

However, occasionally a video shows up that is best used as a cautionary tail. Such is the one I have here today. 

While I would not call the video NSFW, exactly, you may feel otherwise. There are a few clips that get very close to the line. 

Questions to ask yourself before posting SigEp videos:

1. How does this affect the SigEp image? Positve? Negative?
2. If a potential member sees this video will he be more or less likely to consider SigEp?
3. If a parent see this video will he or she have a positive response?

Note I said nothing about production values. That is on purpose. Some of you may be aspiring to a career in video and this is a good place to practice and get better. Just be aware that "Content is King." I'm looking forward to your comments.

UF’s Sig Ep Chapter Closed for “Numerous Violations”

Florida Alpha has been closed. Sad to see that old and large chapters have such a difficult time adapting to the current times. Even more upsetting is that this is current Grand President Bert Harris' home chapter. That must have been a tough decision. More to the point, it shows how serious SigEp is about living our values in the 21st century.

KnightNews.com » UF’s Sig Ep Chapter Closed for “Numerous Violations”

UF’s Sig Ep Chapter Closed for “Numerous Violations”
BEYOND UCF, NEWS, UCF GREEK LIFE — BY JACOB SADOWSKY ON DECEMBER 10, 2012 AT 5:37 PM
 

Sigma Phi Epsilon of the University of Florida is no more.

Sig Ep’s Board of Directors has withdrawn the charter of the Florida Alpha Chapter of Sig Ep at UF for several reasons relating to conduct issues.

The chapter is currently being investigated by UF for numerous violations of the University’s code of conduct.

“When the cultural issues within a chapter conflict with our values and are too deeply rooted to effect change, we have no other option but to withdraw the chapter’s charter,” a statement from the Sig Ep Fraternity said.

The chapter has existed at the school since 1925.

SigEp Syrup Challenge: Retreat Fall 2012

Don't try this at home, folks. Or anywhere else without a ready supply of insulin.

Not exactly sure how this is part of the "Balanced Man" experience, but I'm pretty sure it is not "sound body".

Miami U. frat suspended after alleged fireworks battle

Miami U. frat suspended after alleged fireworks battle | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com:

OXFORD — A fireworks battle between two Miami University frat houses - Phi Kappa Tau and Sigma Alpha Epsilon - the weekend before fall classes began led police to a cache of drugs, and now several students could be criminally charged.

Steve Hartman, president of Phi Kappa Tau, said the Miami chapter of the fraternity has been suspended, effective immediately, pending the outcome of an investigation.

It is the latest example of Greek fraternities at the picturesque university landing in controversy - this time before even cracking a book or attending a lecture.

Oxford police were called after a fire alarm sounded at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday at Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, 310 Talawanda Rd., next door to Phi Kappa Tau.

When officers arrived, they saw someone shooting fireworks from the third floor at Phi Kappa Tau, said Sgt. Jon Varley, spokesman for Oxford police.

Students inside both frat houses had been shooting fireworks at each other, he said.

When police tried to investigate, the students refused to let them into the homes so officers had to get search warrants to go inside and see what exactly was going on.

That’s when they found large amounts of exploded and unexploded fireworks - and marijuana and drug paraphernalia in both homes

...and a link to another story about this:

Miami U Fraternity Suspended For Use Of Fireworks, Drugs

...But wait! There's more - After the jump: Who is suing who?

National Sig Ep suspends NU chapter

On Campus - The Daily Northwestern - Northwestern University: "

BREAKING: National Sig Ep suspends NU chapter

All undergraduate members of Northwestern's chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon are suspended awaiting a membership review by alumni advisers in the fall, according the fraternity's national quarters.

The fraternity's board of directors decided to suspend NU's members after noting a "pattern of risky behavior exhibited by the chapter over the last year," as well as their failure to correct that conduct, executive director Brian Warren Jr. said in a statement provided to The Daily on Friday.

Warren wrote that the national fraternity "look(s) forward to working with all members who are committed to building a chapter that will enrich the college experience at Northwestern."

As of now, NU's Sig Ep members are under review by the national organization's Alumni Advisory Council, according to the statement.

NU's Illinois Lambda chapter of Sig Ep was installed in 1989 and states its mission as "Building Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities," according to NU's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. 

Interfraternity Council President Patrick Schnettler, a McCormick senior, told The Daily that IFC will likely release a statement Friday night."

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Woman Says Frat Party Entices Predators

Yup, this time it is one of our own - Texas Alpha - on the wrong end of a lawsuit.

Woman Says Frat Party Entices Predators

By IULIA FILIP 

     (CN) - A college freshman claims in court that she was kidnapped and sexually assaulted after being served a "trash can punch" laced with Everclear alcohol at a frat house party at the University of Texas at Austin.

     M.J. sued the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, its Texas Alpha Chapter and The University Of Texas Sig Ep Foundation, in Travis County Court. UTexas-Austin is not a party to the complaint.

     M.J. claims that the fraternity routinely gets young women drunk on "extremely alcoholic beverages" and fails to protect them from sexual predators.

     She says that in July 2010, while she was on campus for freshman orientation, she was invited to a "social event" at Sigma Phi Epsilon's fraternity house.

     She says she was served "extremely alcoholic beverages" at the party, and became "highly intoxicated."

     "At some point after midnight, (MJ) perceived her state of consciousness to be rapidly declining - she was going to sleep," the complaint states. "She started searching for her cell phone and purse with the intent of returning to her dormitory room, but never found her articles. During her search inside and on the grounds of the fraternity house, she at some point sat down and fell asleep - a deep sleep from which she could not easily be aroused. At no time prior to her sleep state did she consent to leaving the fraternity house and grounds with anyone, nor did she consent to sexual contact with anyone. During her sleep state she was not competent to grant any consent to anyone - factually or legally. She did not awaken from her sleep state until the next morning, when she found herself in the custody of a sexual predator in Williamson County. She had been sexually assaulted. She had been kidnapped."

SigEp Improv, That Shit Cre - YouTube

SigEp Improv, That Shit Cre - YouTube:
"This is a bit NSFW (language). In fact I am not certain how appropriate is is in any context. But I am sharing it because some effort and thought went into the video. I'd appreciate someone letting me know if this is mainstream (and I am closing in on "full-geezer" status) or if others are somewhat taken aback, as I was, by the way this scenario plays out.

Now "Get Outta my yard" and go watch it."

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Vermont fraternity chapter closed over rape survey - CNN.com

Vermont fraternity chapter closed over rape survey - CNN.com:

"STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The local chapter of the fraternity is closed indefinitely, officials say
• The survey is "deplorable and absolutely inconsistent with our values," national fraternity leader says
• University of Vermont officials said they "respect and support" the decision"

'via Blog this'

Earlier video included with the story:



Editorial comment:
The staff and NDB did as well as possible by acting swiftly to investigate, decide, and act unambiguously to send a message that we will not tolerate behavior that violates our principles.

This should be viewed as a 'teachable moment' when chapter leaders and volunteers get together at the upcoming CLAs. Future incidents like this (sadly, we know there will be) must be handled in a similar no-nonsense manner.

This note from Chuck Eberly (OH Kappa, OGH) - sent originally to the Illinois NU chapter he advises - arrived earlier today. We were asked to let others know about John Foubert's One in Four program.  

I am sad to learn that the chapter has been closed, but reassured to know that our Board of Directors (which must vote to close a chapter) and our Headquarters leadership is willing to do what is necessary to live up to the values of our Fraternity. I do not know if there is such a count, but in my memory this is one of the first times a Balanced Man Chapter of Sig Ep has been closed for misbehavior.

Executive Committee, perhaps developing an all-campus program on rape awareness and prevention is a good step forward. Please go to the website for the One in Four Program developed by my friend, Dr. John Foubert, of Oklahoma State University (http://www.oneinfourusa.org/). In fact, I wonder if the incident at the University of Vermont can be used as an incentive for men in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Alpha Epsilon (John's fraternity) to cooperatively develop One in Four Programs on multiple campuses. Some of you may know that I endorsed John's book, The Men's Program and The Women's Program, when they were published. The intent of the books is to promote the development of rape prevention programs on college campuses based on solid empirical evidence that the programs work with high-risk segments of the student population, such as athletic teams and men-only groups like college fraternities. A list of John's publications can be found on his website at Oklahoma State.

You can learn about John's work on the Internet during break.  Are there brothers in Illinois Nu who are dedicated enough to initiate such a program on the EIU campus?

Fraternally,
Chuck Eberly

SigEp Director: 'I was shocked' by Vermont chapter's rape survey

It makes you wonder: Which of our Cardinal Principles were the guys who thought this up espousing? Be sure to follow the link to the full article.

The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Vermont is seen Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 in Burlington, Vt. The fraternity was suspended over a survey that asked members who they would like to rape. The national Sigma Phi Epsilon organization says in a statement that is has instructed the chapter to cease all operation, pending further investigation. It says that any behavior that demeans women is not tolerated. / AP Photo/Toby Talbot

National SigEp director: 'I was shocked' by Vermont chapter's rape survey | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com:
"The executive director of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity says he was shocked when he learned that members of the University of Vermont chapter had surveyed its members about who they would like to rape.

“I was shocked — praying the allegations were not true,” Brian Warren of Sig Ep’s national office in Richmond, Va., told the Burlington Free Press on Wednesday afternoon. He said the conduct is atypical of the 117 Sig Ep fraternities across the nation.

“We will not tolerate this behavior,” said Warren, who has led the national organization since 2009. “This is not a theme throughout the country. This is very unique in my two years.”"

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