Three Hospitalized (Alcohol) at U of Central Florida

[exlurker]

The press release posted on Sigma Alpha Epsilon's IHQ web site says:

Press Releases

Central Florida Chapter Closes
ORLANDO, FL – The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters has closed its chapter at the University of Central Florida. This move comes as a result of hazing allegations that took place on October 26, 2006. All members of the chapter are now considered suspended, and the pledge class will be disbanded. In addition, the board of directors will seek to revoke membership rights from those members who took part in the incidents at the chapter house that night.

University of Central Florida administrators support the decision and continue their investigation. The chapter must still appear before a university judicial board, where it may face further sanctions. In addition, university law enforcement may come forth with charges against individual chapter members.

The decision comes on the heels of an ongoing investigation by the fraternity headquarters after officials reviewed university police reports detailing hazing and other inappropriate behavior. Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s leadership will not condone behavior that violates risk-management policies or the general guidelines for chapter operations. Details in the police report disturb fraternity leaders.

“These types of behavior go against everything we stand for, especially being gentlemen,” said Brandon Weghorst, spokesman for the headquarters. “But we’re taking it a step further. We plan to make an example of this chapter by revoking membership from a large number of brothers. Hazing will not be tolerated, and their actions will suffer consequences.”

A chapter advisor who lives in Orlando notified members in person on Wednesday of the closure. The chapter’s charter will remain suspended, not revoked, for an indefinite period of time. Depending on what university officials decide, Sigma Alpha Epsilon may choose to return with a new group of students in several years.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon operates 215 chapters across the country. The chapter at the University of Central Florida is classified as the Florida Epsilon chapter.

http://www.sae.net/?r=newsroom&sr=pr...=115&art_cat=2