Media Releases
Statement from Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. Regarding Indiana University
CONTACT:
Brad Beacham, Executive Director
Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
(540) 463-1869
brad.beacham@sigmanu.org
October 11, 2017
Lexington, Va. – Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. has suspended the charter of the Beta Eta Chapter at Indiana University, effective immediately, due to violations of the Fraternity’s law and policies, and policies of the University, including hazing and alcohol-related violations. The decision was made by the Fraternity’s board of directors following a joint investigation, and consultation, with Indiana University officials. The charter suspension is supported by the chapter’s alumni leaders and Indiana University.
The Fraternity’s decision to suspend the charter means that all activities and operations of the chapter must immediately cease. “Sigma Nu’s mission is to develop ethical and honorable leaders for society. The Fraternity will not tolerate such violations of its law, policies, and principles,” said Brad Beacham, Executive Director of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
“For 125 years, Sigma Nu Fraternity and Indiana University have worked as partners in support of our student members. Together with our dedicated alumni, we will maintain this partnership and will restore Sigma Nu’s legacy at IU in the future,” Beacham added. The Beta Eta Chapter was established at Indiana University in 1892.
Headquartered in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The Fraternity currently has 163 chapters and colonies and has initiated more than 235,000 members since its founding.
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Statement from Indiana University on IU Bloomington Sigma Nu Chapter
Sigma Nu Fraternity’s national leadership confirmed today that it has suspended the charter of the Beta Eta Chapter on the IU Bloomington campus in response to hazing and alcohol-related violations.
The chapter is to immediately cease all activities. This decision was made by the Fraternity’s board of directors in consultation with, and with the support of, Indiana University and Beta Eta alumni leaders.
The Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office is working closely with the Fraternity to facilitate this action as well as to offer assistance, resources, and support to students at this time.
"The university supports the national Fraternity’s swift and strong action and is in full agreement with this decision,” said Lori Reesor, Vice Provost for Student Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington. "Despite the significant efforts of Indiana University staff, Beta Eta alumni leaders, and Fraternity staff in recent semesters, the Beta Eta Chapter failed to implement agreed-upon procedures and plans to ensure compliance with rules and policies during social activities and new member education activities. The health and safety of our students remain a top priority and we will not tolerate actions by any group or individual affiliated with the university that put our students at risk."
Indiana University, along with each Greek national organization, holds chapters accountable to high standards and ethical behavior. These requirements are clearly set out in IU’s Greek Agreement, which outlines behavioral expectations for all fraternities and sororities in order to ensure safe environments in each chapter, including education and risk programming efforts that aim to strengthen each independent organization as well as the overall university community.
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