News

A fraternity that had some of its members suspended by the national organization has now been completely suspended, according to officials from Ohio University and the organization.

 

The Ohio University Sorority and Fraternity Life assistant director sent a letter to the sorority and fraternity community announcing the suspension of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity's Ohio Gamma chapter on Dec. 12.

 

The suspension was given by the national organization, and the suspensions are to continue until all members graduate from the university, according to the letter, signed by Kristen Kardas.

 

"Per Ohio University's policies on reinstatement and expansion of fraternities and sororities, the national organization will need to re-apply for reinstatement recognition should Sigma Alpha Epsilon ever wish to return to campus," Kardas wrote.

 

The national headquarters of the fraternity released a statement saying the members of the Ohio chapter "failed repeatedly to adhere to health and safety guidelines as well as our membership agreement."

 

None of the official statements went into detail about what the violations were, but the fraternity underwent a review by the national organization in November.

 

The review led to the removal of some of the members of the fraternity, which was reestablished on campus in January 2013.

 

The fraternity was penalized for a violation of the student code of conduct earlier this year, specifically unauthorized use of alcoholic beverages. The fraternity accepted responsibility for the violation on Oct. 23, according to previous Messenger reporting.

 

“That violation stemmed from an activity where alcohol was consumed in a common space of a fraternity house by people both of age and underage,” university spokeswoman Katie Quaranta wrote in an email to The Messenger in November.

 

Some of the men had already vacated the house after the previous announcement of suspensions, but the rest of the men are now required to vacate property and find alternate housing.

 

"The closure of the chapter is unfortunate, but it serves as an important reminder that violations to our expectations and guidelines will not be tolerated," the release stated.

 

The men of the fraternity are still considered OU students, Kardas wrote, and will be allowed to join other clubs and organizations.

 

"They do not have the opportunity to join another fraternity, nor will they be eligible to start another fraternity on this campus," Kardas stated.

 

If any of the former members of the group or other groups attempt to have "any interaction…as the organization of Sigma Alpha Epsilon" they will be "held accountable," according to Kardas.

 

The university had no other statement, Quaranta said.

 

The national headquarters expressed an interest to start a new chapter at OU after the present membership group had left the university.

 

"Although Sigma Alpha Epsilon regrets the closure, we are hopeful that we can re-establish the chapter at Ohio University with a new group of men who exemplify our beliefs and who serve as leaders on campus and in the community," the release stated.