Sigma Nu’s charter revoked after hazing investigation

Kansas University’s chapter of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, which had been under investigation for a hazing incident, has lost its national charter.

The action was announced today, following an investigation by the fraternity’s national office, based in Lexington, Va.

There was no immediate explanation of what the hazing incident entailed.

Brad Beacham, the national fraternity director, released a statement saying the fraternity’s high council “deeply regretted and are saddened by” the loss of KU’s Nu Chapter.

The chapter has been at KU for nearly 121 years, Beacham said.

“However, Sigma Nu Fraternity cannot tolerate these activities that defy the fraternity’s most basic values and principles,” he said.

The decision to revoke the charter was made with the support of chapter alumni leaders and KU officials, Beacham said.

In its statement, the fraternity was unclear what would happen next: “In the near future, the Nu Chapter will be re-established and will once again offer a positive experience reflective of Sigma Nu’s mission to develop ethical leaders.”

KU’s Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success, released a statement saying she supported the action:

“We appreciate the national headquarters’ and local alumni members’ quick resolution of the matter and their devotion to enforcing the chapter’s and the university’s rules and regulations.

“Hazing of any kind is a violation of human dignity. It is always taken seriously and immediately confronted by this university. We absolutely will not tolerate this type of behavior.

“Sigma Nu has had a long tradition at this university so we regret the unfortunate but necessary actions taken today. However, I have no doubt, based on the principled leadership exhibited by the national headquarters and the alumni today, that Sigma Nu will return to campus when appropriate and resume an active role in the university community.”

KU put the local chapter on probation in October 2003, when a student suffered a head injury during a ritual in which five fraternity members threw pledges into the air.

At that time, Steven Weith, a 19-year-old Olathe freshman, suffered a head injury during a ritual in which five fraternity members threw pledges into the air.

Weith was admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and then transferred to KU Hospital. He later recovered.