UF’s chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity — often called “Sig Ep” — was closed last month.
The fraternity’s national board of directors withdrew the charter of the Florida Alpha chapter, according to a Dec. 10 statement from executive director Brian C. Warren Jr.
“The University of Florida is investigating the chapter for numerous violations of the University’s code of conduct,” Warren said in the statement.
UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said the chapter’s closing was not the result of a single incident. There are multiple charges pending, she said, including hazing.
Sikes provided a statement that declared the university’s support of the board’s decision.
“We understand it was a difficult one to make and look forward to the fraternity returning at some point in the future,” the statement read.
UF’s Sig Ep membership numbers have fluctuated over the past year, according to the chapter’s now-removed Manpower page on the national website. In Spring 2012, the fraternity had 141 members total, but started Fall with 57.
“When the cultural issues within a chapter conflict with our values and are too deeply rooted to effect change, we have no other option but to withdraw the chapter’s charter,” Warren said.
Contact Julia Glum at jglum@alligator.org.
