Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity lost its charter in March 2018 amid allegations of hazing and an investigation by the fraternity’s national organization. The original closure agreement between UI and SAE’s national organization stated the fraternity could repopulate the house starting Aug. 15, 2022. Local alumni are hoping to make that happen by Spring 2021.
UI became aware the chapter was under investigation in Dec. 2017 when the national organization put a cease and desist order on the chapter, according to a UI press release. UI was unaware of the specific allegations at the time. After learning more about the allegations, UI conducted an additional investigation as part of the Student Code of Conduct process.
“We do not stand by whatever was taking place in that chapter, Interfraternity Council President Joseph Brueher said. “We don’t want to reward that type of behavior, especially in the current state of our community.”
SAE Manager of Expansion Grant Maris believes the fraternity has a lot to offer the university, campus and IFC. He made his case to the IFC Senate on Sept. 1, according to Brueher.
Previous SAE members would not be eligible to return when the charter was reinstated, Brueher said. One portion of the 17-item closure agreement stated a majority of those previously involved with SAE had to be graduated or unenrolled at the time the charter was reinstated. The chapter would also have to keep a “dry” facility, or not allow alcohol on the premises, and have a live-in advisor who would hold members accountable and serve as a contact between alumni and current members.
Jodi Walker, UI director of communications, stated SAE recently petitioned the IFC to return prior before the self-imposed 2022 return date. At a Sept. 15 meeting, the IFC Senate denied this request due to poor timing and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to provide an inspiring fraternity experience for members, and we know that we have a variety of chapters that are capable of doing that,” Brueher said. “At the moment, adding one more chapter may do more harm than benefit to that member experience.”
IFC has already decided to add two chapters in the near future, one in Spring 2019 and another in Spring 2021. Brueher said it would be disrespectful to SAE to accept another chapter at the same time they were promised to return.
“Right now…with (COVID-19) going on, we just feel like it is not the most beneficial time for (SAE) to come back to our community,” Brueher said. “I think that if they were able to come back at a later date, it could be very beneficial. It seems like they have a lot to offer the community, and they’re prepared to make changes to make sure that things go incredibly this time around.”
Director of Communications for SAE National Headquarters Johnny Sao could not be reached for comment.
Kim Stager can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @journalismgoals.