UCLA officials released documents Thursday detailing events
leading to the revocation of fraternity Sigma Chi’s
university recognition, including extensive correspondence
regarding the hazing of new members.
The latest event in a string of disciplinary actions dating back
to early fall quarter happened on Tuesday, when UCLA denied Sigma
Chi’s appeal to the university to reconsider its decision to
end the fraternity’s affiliation.
In the decision, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Janina
Montero wrote that the fraternity was on suspension when hazing
violations occurred, and that she “cannot overlook the fact
that … (Sigma Chi) admitted that these activities took
place.”
In a statement, Sigma Chi said it intended to comply fully with
the decision and said they “fully expect to continue to be
amongst the leading houses on the row.”
Sigma Chi’s sponsorship was originally suspended by the
university on Oct. 10 for a “keg-off” involving
sorority members which occurred at the fraternity’s annual
series of philanthropy events, Derby Days. All 11 Panhellenic
sororities were placed on probation winter quarter for their
involvement.
During the fall probation, the university received additional
complaints from concerned parents of Sigma Chi pledges and from the
pledges themselves that hazing had occurred.
According to an incident report dated Nov. 7, one pledge said
the hazing involved “personal servitude” that included
cleaning brothers’ apartments and a “quest on
campus” while wearing “conspicuous attire.”
In the same document, a concerned parent said his son complained
of “line-up situations” where pledges were
“lectured and berated,” and “a general
“˜under-siege mentality’ pledges constantly
faced.” That parent did not reveal the name of his
son’s fraternity, but narrowed it down to three, one of which
was Sigma Chi.
The records also show correspondence regarding the hazing
between Sigma Chi members and numerous organizations and
individuals, including members of Sigma Chi’s national
organization, UCLA’s Interfraternity Council, an alumnus of
Sigma Chi and various university officials in the Center for
Student Programming.
Following a UCLA investigation and after fraternity members
apparently admitted participating in hazing activities to CSP
Associate Director Joan Brown, Sigma Chi’s sponsorship was
revoked on March 31.
Sigma Chi expressed contempt regarding the university’s
actions, complaining they were not given proper notice of the
revocation beforehand and that there was “absolutely no
factual support” for “the imposition of the most
extreme and serious discipline.”
The fraternity said anything less than full reinstatement
“reflects poorly on an academic institution which we are
proud to attend.”
Montero encouraged the fraternity in her letter to work to
“live up to the high standard that the University
expects” and said they may petition for reinstatement
starting on Sept. 1.