SAE-UGa: Our public statement

[GA-Beta]

On Jan. 22, our freshman brother Lewis R. Fish died from a mix of alcohol, heroin, and cocaine.

The chapter has now made a public statement, after being quiet as requested earlier.

We know of no information connecting GA Beta of SAE at Georgia to the cause of Lewis' death.

We are now taking steps to insure that this tragic event does not concur again. This is our way of honoring the memory of our brother, Lewis Fish.

For five years, each fall we have hosted a drug and alcohol education and awareness program, with mandatory attendance and a $100 fine for unexcused absences. This spring we will host two addl. programs, presented by the UGa police chief and a professional counselor. We want to whole chapter to know more about identifying members with problems, and to know where to seek help.

Alumni have donated $25,000 to fund the chapter's anti-drug program. More is needed - contact alumnus Jimbo Laboon (706-543-2575) for info.

Lewis' drug abuse happened off our property.

The chapter has always had a zero-tolerance policy on drug use on our property and at our social functions, but we have learned during this investigation that some violations have gone unreported. This cannot and will not continue.

The penalty for zero-tolerance violations has always been immediate expulsion. Now, to encourage members to be forthcoming and to help us get assistance for problem members, a second chance will be offered if it is in the member's and chapter's best interest.

The brother will be expelled, but could be re-instated after six months of random drug screens, and monthly screens for another year. Each screen costs $20.

In the future, if any member is charged with an illegal drug offense or DUI, he will be suspended for one semester. If there is a trial related to the offense, more serious penalties are likely to follow.

Three SAE members (and four non-members) were arrested during the investigation, and charged with misdemeanor marijuana and alcohol possession. The members are not charged with providing drugs or alcohol to Lewis Fish - their charges involve an off-campus house party they hosted and Lewis (and many other students) attended.

These three members made poor decisions, placing their future at risk. They have been suspended until after Spring Break. If they follow an outlined program, they may apply for re-instatement.

We also learned during the investigation that five freshmen members recently violated our tolerance policy in the house parking lot. These five have been expelled, and can only come back after following the drug testing program and getting counseling.

Every brother living in the house has been screened for drugs, and every brother had a clean drug test.

We have learned that we do not spend enough time asking prospective members about their drug and alcohol experiences - and this will change. Simply being a good guy is no longer good enough. Coming from a good family, a good school, and a good community is not enough.

Lewis was a beloved member with a charismatic personality. Now is our time to remember him, his achievements, and the circumstances of his death. Therefore, we have suspended all social functions until late spring.

This action plan is the result of Georgia Beta's own internal investigation and evaluation. No one has required the chapter to take any of these steps.

The chapter is committed to learning from this trajedy, and honoring our friend Lewis Fish.

We are sending our statement to all of our living alumni.