Sigma Pi, Clarion: 80 minors face charges

[hoosier]

(Note that the sorority co-host's name isn't mentioned)


Police raid Clarion University fraternity; more than 80 minors face charges
By ERIN SCHATTAUER

Most to be cited with underage drinking, police say


A late-night raid at a Clarion University fraternity house nabbed dozens of underage drinkers Thursday at a soiree that could potentially cost the organization its charter.

Charges are pending against 87 people and the fraternity, following an 11:45 p.m. raid at the Sigma Pi fraternity house, a private, off-campus house, state police in Clarion said.

Thursday’s raid was the largest the university has seen in a number of years, a university spokesman said.

Two fraternity members and the fraternity itself will be charged with the sale of alcoholic beverages without a license, according to police. During the investigation, 84 minors were discovered to have consumed alcoholic beverages and will be cited, police said.

One of the minors was also found to be in possession of a false identification card, police said.

Criminal mischief charges also will be filed against Stephen M. Scott, 19, of Bethel Park, who police say kicked and broke a kitchen cabinet shelf at the fraternity house located at 84 Fraternity Drive.

Members of a sorority at the university were also involved in the incident, a university spokesman. Both Sigma Pi and the sorority could face consequences at the school and through their national organizations.

“The gathering that was raided Thursday night was not allowed under university policy,” spokesman Ron Wilshire said in written statement.

State police in Clarion and the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement’s Punxsutawney district office conducted the investigation into the sale of alcoholic beverages without a license. State police applauded Clarion University personnel whom, they say, “assisted in the investigation and helped to ensure that all involved individuals had safe transportation from the scene.”

“All students who are charged criminally while enrolled at the school must also go through a university-run judicial review supervised by the Office of Judicial and Mediation Services,” Wilshire said.

“A board of students, faculty, administrators and staff hears each case and the board or an administrative hearing officer then makes a determination as to punishment, if necessary,” he said. “The penalties can range from counseling and alcohol education programs and probation to suspension or expulsion from the university.”

The fraternity’s fate is uncertain for now.

“The Greek organizations involved in the incident will also face judicial board review and could face actions such as mandatory alcohol education programs to removal of official recognition by the university,” Wilshire said.

The national offices of the fraternity and sorority chapters will also review the incident. The Greek organizations could face probation or even have their national affiliations revoked, Wilshire said.

In his statement, Wilshire touted a number of programs the campus provides to inform its students of the consequences of underage drinking.

An adviser to the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) talks to fraternity members each year about the consequences for poor decision-making and risk management associated with fraternities, Wilshire said.

Educational programs, including an online alcohol education course and a course on drinking and drugs, are also part of the mix, he said. The college also hosts a series of campus-wide speakers who discuss the dangers of alcohol and drugs each year.

Residence hall programs and information through newspapers and posters offer information during “key drinking times” like Autumn Leaf Festival and spring break and an annual alcohol screening service for high-risk drinking behavior are provided by the university.

The university is also applying for grant money with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education for high risk drinking prevention efforts, Wilshire said.

Sigma Pi made news in October when the house caught fire accidentally after a faulty halogen lamp ignited clothes and a cupboard.

No one was injured in the blaze that severely damaged the house and caused about $8,000 in damages. All 12 residents of the house displaced for a brief period of time.