The future of the Sigma Nu at USD is uncertain

[hoosier]

Sigma Nu faces charges

Chapter headquarters, USD investigating
By Kerry Hacecky
Published: Wednesday, February 9, 2005

The future of the Sigma Nu fraternity at USD is uncertain after what appeared to be an initiation night turned into a hazing ceremony.
The Vermillion Police Department reported arresting one male individual outside of Sigma Nu Feb. 3 for refusal to obey a lawful command and for underage consumption.
According to police reports found on the department's Web site, an officer observed two males, one dressed in green boxer shorts, a red woman's skirt, cowboy boots and brown nylons run west from the back of the Sigma Nu house, 221 E. Main St. The individuals crossed in front of the patrol car and ran across the street.
After pursuing the two males for some time, the officer arrested one of the males on the fraternity's front lawn. At about the same time, a back up officer arrived and reported another "dressed up" male.
Upon questioning, the arrestee told police he was partaking in a Sigma Nu ceremony. The male was taken inside to retrieve his regular clothes, at which time he was told he was being arrested for refusal to obey a lawful command and for underage consumption.
Vermillion Police Chief Art Mabry denied access to public records and refused to comment. Clay County State's Attorney Tami Maroney Bern denied records and comment.
Dean of Student Dave Lorenz confirmed the incident is alcohol related and the issue of whether or not the fraternity was hazing is being discussed, but he declined to comment further.
"All considerable options are open until we conclude our facts," Lorenz said. "Which I hope to do shortly."
Lorenz could not confirm a rumor that an ambulance was called to the scene or that alcohol poisoning was a factor, but did say he "believed emergency officials were called."
Sigma Nu and their current president, Sean Lefebvre, denied comment.
Sigma Nu faces a variety of consequences, including a maximum penalty of being discharged from their national chapter.
Greek Life Coordinator Genevieve Evans-Taylor said the fraternity's national headquarters brought representatives to USD yesterday and today to investigate the situation.
Evans-Taylor said, after the national investigation, USD will conduct an investigation. Until then, Evans-Taylor said it is unclear what will happen to the chapter.
This is sixth legal incident involving Sigma Nu and alcohol-related charges since 1998.
On Aug. 30, 1998 Sigma Nu received a $600 fine and 150 hours of community service from the Greek system's Interfraternity Council after violating recruitment rules by allowing individuals who were not fraternity members into the house and supplying alcohol.
Three months later, on Nov. 22, 1998, the fraternity was placed on the Greek system's probation following a bust that resulted in 54 citations for possession and consumption of alcohol by minors. The probation would last for four years.
On Nov. 30, 2001, fifteen USD students were cited for underage drinking at the Kelly Inn in Yankton after a hotel employee reported the suspicious underage drinking to the Yankton Police Department.
Upon investigation, police reported that the room was reserved under the Sigma Nu name.
At that time Sigma Nu's president, Adam Lefebvre, said the people were not at a Sigma Nu event because the fraternity was dry that semester. Because the situation took place in Yankton, USD and Greek Life were unable to conduct an investigation.
On Sept. 27, 2002, the fraternity faced disciplinary charges after an intoxicated 20-year-old woman injured herself by falling down the stairs.
On March 15, 2003, four months after the fraternity was taken off their four-year probation, a search warrant led to the arrest of two fraternity members and the issue of 62 citations for underage drinking. Sigma Nu's President Matthew Barnett and Vice President Derrick Kok were arrested for two counts of furnishing alcohol to a juvenile, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, 60 counts of furnishing alcohol to underage individuals, maintaining a common nuisance and disorderly house.
Following the investigation, Sigma Nu was placed back on a four-year probation. Due to the probation, the Feb. 5, 2005 incident puts the chapter at a second-level probation.
Brad Beacham, executive director of Sigma Nu Fraternity said the national headquarters are looking to close the investigation quickly.
"Sigma Nu Fraternity is working with officials at the University of South Dakota to investigate a report recently received alleging improper activities of the Theta Beta chapter," Beacham said. "We are also working with student and alumni leaders in the course of the investigation."
When investigations by the chapter's national headquarters and USD are through, Sigma Nu will receive a minimum charge of no alcohol allowed on the premises and losing recruitment rights. A maximum penalty would result in the fraternity losing recognition from the university and/or their national headquarters.

Sigma Nu Fraternity is an international men's college fraternity founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute. Their headquarters are in Lexington, Va.
USD's Sigma Nu chapter is one of about 200 in the United States in Canada.