Sigma Chi re-instated at OU

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The Beta Kappa chapter was officially re-instated at the University of Oklahoma after a suspension arising from the accidential alcohol poisoning death of one of its pledges in October, 2004.

The Oklahoman
May 19, 2007


OU reinstates fraternity
By Susan Simpson Staff Writer

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma President David Boren said Friday he has reinstated the Sigma Chi fraternity, which lost its charter in 2004 after the death of a pledge.

“I am very pleased that Sigma Chi has met the high standards set by the university to be recognized once again as a registered student organization,” the OU president said in a statement.

Sigma Chi lost its charter at OU after pledge Blake Hammontree, 19, Medford, was found dead at the fraternity house Sept. 30, 2004. An autopsy showed Hammontree had a blood-alcohol level of 0.42, more than five times the legal standard for intoxication.

In spring 2006, OU set out conditions for the fraternity to be reinstated.

Sigma Chi had to present a business plan for chapter operations and activities, agree to comply with OU’s plan to combat alcohol abuse and appoint an alumni supervisory committee to oversee all activities.

The chapter now can recruit members for fall 2007.


Tulsa World – May 19, 2007
OU fraternity reinstated after pledge death


By Staff Reports
5/19/2007
The University of Oklahoma fraternity at which a 19-year-old pledge died of alcohol poisoning 2 1/2 years ago has been reinstated, according to a news release.

OU President David Boren said in the release, "I am very pleased that Sigma Chi has met the high standards set by the university to be recognized once again as a registered student organization."

The conditions included a business plan and activities, a membership review, agreement to follow OU's "Comprehensive Plan to Combat Alcohol Abuse" and an alumni supervisory committee that will be active at least through January. The chapter will restart in the fall, the news release said.

"We believe that having gone through this reinstatement process, these brothers have experienced a great deal of growth individually and collectively," Mark Anderson, executive secretary for the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, said in the release.

"We, along with the university, will continue to work closely with these men to hold them to the high standards of Sigma Chi and of the University of Oklahoma, and expect them to wholly embody those values in both thoughts and actions."

Blake Hammontree's death prompted OU to start in January 2005 a three-strikes-and-you're-suspended policy and a policy against having alcohol in fraternities and residence halls. Alcohol-related convictions on or off campus count against students.

The policy includes alcohol education for all new students