Loyola University Fraternity Suspended 3 Years For Hazing

By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 14, 2017 4:52PM

Loyola University / Facebook

A Loyola University fraternity has been slapped with a three-year suspension for hazing, according to the school.

After launching an investigation in February when the university received "credible information" alleging hazing at Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Loyola's Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution has determined that the chapter was "responsible for hazing activity and engaging in disruptive and disorderly conduct that caused a disturbance in the neighborhood."

"The suspension prohibits the chapter—and its members or supporters—from conducting any activity on Loyola’s campuses or off-campus. This suspension is effective immediately (March 6), and lasts until August 1, 2020," a university statement sent to Chicagoist read.

"As we have stated previously, acts of hazing are strictly prohibited by University policy and Illinois law. Hazing is directly in opposition to the mission and values of Loyola, and it will not be tolerated," the statement read.

SAE will be allowed to request reinstatement in 2020. The chapter will have to develop "a year-long comprehensive member development program that fosters zero-tolerance of any form of hazing" as part of a potential re-application, according to the university statement.

SAE headquarters, which is based in Evanston, has placed the Loyola chapter under a cease-and-desist order, ceasing "all chapter operations" until later notice, spokesperson Johnny Sao told Chicagoist via email. "Sigma Alpha Epsilon maintains stringent guidelines and expectations for our members, and those who do not comply with them are sanctioned accordingly," the statement from Sao read.

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Northwestern University was suspended by the fraternity's national headquarters last month after the school's Sexual Harassment Prevention Office received reports of sexual assault and date-rape drugging.

The Beta Chi chapter of Sigma Pi at Loyola University was banned for three years in 2014 due to hazing and "bias-motivated discrimination and misconduct."