Sigma Chi fraternity has been suspended until March and removed from WKU Homecoming festivities after reports that the organization violated WKU and fraternity alcohol policies.

Director of Student Affairs Charley Pride said Sigma Chi has been placed on probation at WKU for two violations. The first was having alcohol in the chapter house, which put the organization on probation until Dec. 31. The second was hosting a function and providing alcohol to underage guests, resulting in a probation period that will last until May 15, 2019.

Pride said Sigma Chi was removed from Homecoming, cannot have functions and will have no alcohol exemptions for alumni events in Spring 2019. 

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Sigma Chi adviser Victor Felts said in an email the Zeta Mu chapter was suspended nationally for violating the alcohol policy. He said once national headquarters found out about the violations, immediate action was taken and they worked with WKU.

Felts said Sigma Chi is suspended until March 1, 2019.

With the suspension, Felts said the fraternity will not be able to hold social events, recruit new members or participate in campus intramural activities. Additionally members of the fraternity will be reviewed on their commitment to upholding fraternity values and adherence to policies.

“The members of the Zeta Mu chapter have a great love for the fraternity and an affection for the values of the fraternity,” Felts said. “It is my hope that, through this suspension and educational programming regarding risk prevention, the members will also gain an appreciation for the policies that are in place to protect them.”

Sigma Chi Zeta Mu president, Nick Shoutla declined to comment.

Andrew Rash, Greek activities coordinator, confirmed Sigma Chi was suspended by nationals until March 1 due to national policy violations. He said he could not confirm specific policies violated. With the suspension, he said the organization would go through education programs.

Interfraternity Council president and senior Ben Hopper said Delta Tau Delta, which recently recolonized at WKU and now has more than 50 members, will replace Sigma Chi in Homecoming events. Delta Tau Delta will be paired with Chi Omega sorority and NPHC fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha for Homecoming.

After the suspension, Hopper said he hopes other organizations realize the rules in place for hazing and alcohol in the chapter houses should be followed.

“We as fraternities and sororities need to work at improving action and continue to be a valued partner of higher education at WKU,” Hopper said.

Rebekah Alvey can be reached at 270-745-6011 and [email protected]. Follow Rebekah Alvey on Twitter at @bekah_alvey.

Editor’s note: a previous version of this story said Delta Tau Delta recently rechartered. The fraternity recolonized earlier this semester. The correction has been made and the Herald regrets this error.