The University of Mississippi Judicial Council met Thursday night regarding an investigation into Sigma Chi fraternity for multiple policy violations. The fraternity has been suspended until the end of the 2013 fall semester.
The Sigma Chi fraternity has been suspended through the conclusion of the 2013 fall semester, according to a press release from The University of Mississippi Judicial Council. The fraternity was found in violation of the university’s alcohol policy.
Sigma Chi was already on a two-strike probation due to a previous violation of the same policy during the fall semester of 2012.
“We’re disappointed with the outcome of the decision; we do plan to appeal and hope that a better outcome can come out of that process. The University tells us this is an educational process, but what we don’t understand is how our members can learn from this process if they cannot meet,” said Buckner Corso, president of the Eta Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, in a written press release obtained by The DM late Thursday night.
According to the Judicial Council’s release, two-strike probation is levied on an organization found guilty of an alcohol or drug violation.
Fraternities on two-strike probation are given a one-semester suspension if found in violation of the university’s alcohol policy. The second violation occurred on March 5, which resulted in the fraternity being placed on interim suspension.
According to the Judicial Council’s release, “the fraternity was also found guilty of disorderly conduct, disregard for university authority and failure to follow the guidelines for registration of activities found in the Student Organization Handbook.”
Following reinstatement, the fraternity will remain on two-strike probation and social probation through the end of the 2014 spring semester.
All five members of the university’s Judicial Council voted in favor of the suspension. Three students, one faculty member and one staff member compose the council.
The decision of the Judicial Council can be appealed to the Appellate Consideration Board. The council agreed to let the current members living in the fraternity house continue to live in the house and receive meals throughout the rest of the semester.
