Media Releases
National Fraternity, University Suspend Sigma Nu
CONTACT:
Brad Beacham, Executive Director
Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
(540) 463-1869
brad.beacham@sigmanu.org
March 3, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. and Purdue University on Tuesday (March 3) announced the suspension of thefraternity’s Purdue Beta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Nu for two years, effective immediately. The chapter will be eligible to return to the campusfor the fall 2017 semester.
The suspension stems from reported incidents of hazing, including servitude, calisthenics, activities between midnight and 7:30 a.m., andscavenger hunts, as well as providing alcohol to minors and reported drug use during functions. The incidents occurred during the fall 2014semester and were reported at the conclusion of the semester.
The suspension follows university and national fraternity investigations that concluded such activities took place. The fraternity and theuniversity then took joint action to suspend the chapter. The General (national) Fraternity's decision was made in consultation with BetaZeta alumni leaders and Purdue officials.
“Sigma Nu regrets the loss of the Beta Zeta chapter. However, in keeping with our mission to develop ethical leaders, the Fraternity cannottolerate such violations of its law, policies and principles,” said executive director Brad Beacham, Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. “For more than124 years Sigma Nu Fraternity has supported the growth and development of students at Purdue University. We will work with Beta Zetaalumni leaders, university officials and student leaders to re-establish this legacy of leadership at Purdue in the future. We are grateful forour strong partnership with Purdue, and we appreciate the university’s continuing support.
”The Fraternity’s suspension of the charter means that the chapter will cease to function until recolonization. The approximately 50 studentresidents of the privately owned chapter house must find new accommodations, and Purdue's Office of the Dean of Students is workingwith them to find housing options both on campus and off. Once the suspension period is complete, the chapter house, which is in the1300 block of Tower Drive, will be available for the chapter to recolonize.
"Our Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative community offers many positive contributions to the overall student experience at PurdueUniversity. It is disappointing that this particular organization could not uphold the reasonable behavioral expectations placed upon them. Ilook forward to working with the organization's national office after the suspension to assist in their return," said Jeffery Stefancic, Purdueassociate dean of students.
Purdue’s Sigma Nu chapter was placed on probation during the fall 2014 semester for hosting unregistered social functions. It was placedon probation during spring semester 2013 for making alcohol available to minors and trying to prevent Purdue EMTs and police from entering the house to check on a person’s well-being.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077
Sources/contacts: Jeffery Stefancic, 765-494-1250, jpstefan@purdue.edu
Brad Beacham, 540-463-1869, brad.beacham@sigmanu.org
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