Though their recognition as a chapter will not be revoked, brothers of Washington University’s Sigma Chi fraternity will not be allowed to live in their house next year.
“As a result of the most recent violations and Sigma Chi’s probationary status for the past two years, it has been determined that members of Sigma Chi will not occupy the Sigma Chi fraternity house for a period of at least two years,” said a press release from the University’s Office of Public Affairs.
During this time, staff of Sigma Chi International fraternity, committee members of the Sigma Chi Alumni Advisory Board, and staff of the Greek Life Office will mentor and educate each undergraduate member of Sigma Chi to “be exemplary leaders in the Greek community at Washington University [and] in their lives after college,” according to the released statement.
The decision, announced last week, was made via the collaborative efforts of the Greek Life Office, Sigma Chi Alumni Advisory Board and Sigma Chi International Office. The groups determined that the fraternity violated the University Judicial Code and Sigma Chi International Policy.
Former chapter president Adam Wood said he is “disappointed” with not only this decision, but also the manner in which it was announced.
“I’m very disappointed in the outcome, and I was disappointed that the first that I heard of it was from the Post-Dispatch,” he said, referring to a story that ran in Wednesdays’s online edition of the paper. “I think it’s very irresponsible.”
Wood added that he believes losing their house will not hinder the fraternity’s recruitment of new members next year.
“It will probably take more effort, but I don’t think it will be impossible. At the end of the day I think people choose a frat for the people…and I still think the people we’re putting forward are good people,” he said.
Wood also noted that he is still looking forward to Sigma Chi having a “positive presence on campus.”
Current chapter president Justin Thompson could not be reached for comments.
According to Rob Wild, associate director of Residential Life, the University is guaranteeing on-campus housing for all of the brothers who had opted to live in the Sigma Chi house next year.
“They are going to have access to any of the remaining open spaces in our upperclassmen housing areas. Each Sigma Chi [brother] is getting a letter describing that, and off-campus housing options as well. I know that Greek Life has worked hard to make sure nobody is denied housing,” Wild said.
Director of Greek Life Karin Johnes and Director of Campus Life Jill Carnaghi could not be reached for comments regarding which of the fraternity’s actions were in violation of University and Sigma Chi International regulations. However, the decision to evict the Sigma Chi brothers from their house took into account events on the evening of March 18, when two pledges were transported to the hospital, and April 22, when students were videotaped and photographed performing in sexually charged skits and engaging in other behaviors the Greek Life Office deemed “inappropriate” and “unacceptable.”
Though the fraternity was barred from pledging and initiating members, holding social events and participating in intramural sports after the events of April 22, the current agreement will allow the fraternity to resume those activities.