Fresno State Chapter on Suspension by Administration

[Kevin]

The Fresno Bee
February 9, 2003

Fresno State puts frat on suspension Sigma Nu punished after a party with a
reported sex assault.

BEE STAFF REPORTS

Fresno State has suspended the Sigma Nu fraternity chapter on Shaw Avenue
for 15 months after a November party that involved alcohol and a reported
sexual assault.

Paul Oliaro, vice president and dean of student affairs, upheld the
suspension, which resulted after an investigation by the Division of Student Affairs at California State University, Fresno. The penalty includes one year of probation.

The Nov. 16 party led to a complaint about alcohol violations and the alleged assault. The student affairs division had placed Sigma Nu on suspension as it investigated a female student's complaint that fraternity members had pressured her not to report a sexual attack.

The fraternity appealed the decision by Carolyn V. Coon, executive assistant to the vice president for student affairs and dean of students, who held an administrative hearing.

The Fresno County District Attorney's Office has investigated the alleged sexual assault and decided there was insufficient evidence for prosecution.

University officials found Sigma Nu had failed to follow "risk management" procedures and Interfraternity Council social policy during the party. They also found the woman who alleged the sexual attack felt intimidated by fraternity members.

Under the suspension and the probation that follows, the fraternity will not be allowed to hold any activities involving alcohol through spring 2005. Violation of the sanctions could cause the fraternity to lose its recognition by Fresno State permanently.

Copyright 2003 McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.