Fraternity slapped with probation

Two weeks after the Interfraternity Council (IFC) received reports of hazing at Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the IFC Court placed the fraternity on social probation until Jan. 1, 2009.

During social probation, SAE will be prohibited from holding social events, but the fraternity can still hold chapter meetings and philanthropy events.

Furthermore, the fraternity will be under a four-year probationary status, which means that if a similar incident occurs within the next four years, IFC Court would recommend the University no longer recognize the fraternity on campus. 

Without University recognition, SAE would not be allowed to operate on campus.

“I think IFC is making a heck of a statement with the four-year probation,” said Paul Kittle, director of Greek Life. “They’ve set the bar pretty high.”

In addition to following the Alabama Hazing Statute, the University has an anti-hazing policy detailed in the Tiger Cub. 

The policy, which applies to all organizations, says hazing is “any action taken or situation created intentionally or unintentionally whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.” 

Kittle said his office and IFC want the campus to know they address all hazing reports regarding Greek organizations.

“We want it to be transparent,” Kittle said. “If it happens, we’re going to address it head-on.”

The Office of Greek Life has a hazing hotline and an online form to report hazing incidents, which is how the SAE incident was first reported. 

IFC first received a hazing report concerning SAE Sept. 24. The new member class was halted that evening, but it was reinstated after the hearing last week.

Prior to the hearing, SAE had self-imposed some sanctions, including social probation. Because of the self-imposed punishments, SAE President William Cherry said he thinks the additional probation from IFC is too extreme.

“Nobody in the fraternity feels like we were treated fair,” Cherry said. “We think the decision was already made before we walked in.”

Cherry also said the hazing allegation stemmed from one incident and was not widespread throughout the chapter. One SAE brother was de-pledged because of the incident. 

Pearson Alsobrook, IFC president, said IFC Court is something most universities do not have. Many other universities do not allow fraternities to govern themselves.

“We by far have the most efficient judicial system,” Alsobrook said. “You’re being judged by your peers. There’s never been a case when the University has stepped in and overturned the court’s decision.”

IFC read the court’s decision to all fraternity presidents in hopes that other chapters can learn from the incident. 

“It’s a learning system,” said Caleb Bowman, vice president of risk management. “I think it helps everybody.”

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