It's unfortunate Sigma Tau Gamma is getting so much attention

[hoosier]

September 25, 2003

ISU fraternity suspended for semester

By Michele Steinbacher
Pantagraph staff
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NORMAL -- The Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity at Illinois State University has agreed to a one-semester suspension after allowing underage drinking at a party, university officials said Wednesday.

The fraternity had been on interim suspension since a Sept. 14 incident involving underage drinking at a Sigma Tau Gamma house party.

Several people entered McCormick Hall and vandalized the indoor pool and equipment there early that morning. Police said some of those people told them they earlier had been drinking at the fraternity house, 711 Kingsley Court, Normal.

Eight people have been charged in connection with the vandalism and related offenses.

The suspension means Sigma Tau Gamma won't be allowed to participate in university-sponsored activities this fall, said Rick Olshak, director of ISU's Student Dispute Resolution Services.

About 60 or 70 ISU students belong to the fraternity, he said. The individuals can participate in university activities, but the fraternity cannot be represented, he said.

When the group is reinstated in January, "they have agreed to educational program requirements ... that address social host liability issues," said Olshak. The programs will be both at the fraternity house and for the entire ISU Greek community.

Some of the issues to be addressed include the need to check IDs and use bracelets or other marks to identify partygoers who are 21, he said.

Mike McCoy, president of ISU's Sigma Tau Gamma chapter was unavailable for comment. Gina Lee, who oversees the fraternities and sororities as assistant director of ISU's student life office, also was unavailable for comment.

It's unfortunate Sigma Tau Gamma is getting so much attention for the incident, said Olshak. "Up until now they have been in good standing," he said following the incident.

"There have been much worse fraternity violations here," he said, but he noted this drinking violation resulted in people causing damage at McCormick Hall.

It also came on the heels of news that a Bradley University, Peoria, fraternity member had died Sept. 14 after a drinking binge, Olshak said.

This marks the second time in a year ISU has suspended a Greek organization. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, suspended in April for a similar liquor violation, will complete its suspension by the end of 2003.