Sigma Alpha Epsilon faces suspension from nationals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national organization announced suspension of the fraternity's IU chapter early this week. The fraternity will not be able to participate as a chapter in University -- or Interfraternity Council-sponsored events, pending the results of their case before the campus judicial board. \n"There will be a hearing within 10 to 20 days," Dean of Students Richard McKaig said.\nSAE is the second fraternity to be suspended by its national organization this semester. Delta Tau Delta is also waiting for the campus judicial board to hear its case. The results of the judicial board hearings will determine the severity of the penalties assessed to either fraternity by the University. The results could potentially range anywhere from probation to the fraternities having their charters revoked by their national organization and getting kicked off campus. \n"Each case is argued separately," McKaig said. "What happens to the Delts should not have a bearing on this (SAE's case)."\nMcKaig emphasized that each chapter has its own distinct judicial record and that the records will be a factor in establishing their fates. \nIFC President Colin Godecke, a senior, lamented the void left in the organization by having two fraternities not currently able to participate on campus.\n"Each chapter brings something unique and different," he said. "This takes a little something away from us…we need to have all of these chapters contributing." \nBecause of the waiting period for its judicial board hearing, SAE will not be able to participate in IU Sing Feb. 15-16. \nSAE nationals suspended the chapter in response to an IUPD report of violations committed by the fraternity early Sunday morning during a party where alcohol was served.\nIUPD Lt. Jerry Minger estimated between 300-400 people were at the party when police arrived. \nSAE's national organization, based in Evanston, Ill., has removed the link to the IU chapter from its home page.