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Sigma Alpha Epsilon is no stranger to clashes with the University administration.
UNM’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity was suspended April 4 following allegations of criminal sexual penetration. The alleged crime occurred at a nonregistered party, during which alcohol was served, at the fraternity’s house on April 1. The criminal case is considered active, with no further developments, pending the return of evidence from the state crime lab.
Student conduct officer Robert Burford said Sigma Alpha Epsilon was already on probation until December as part of sanctions imposed due to an incident in the fall involving another unregistered party on the fraternity’s property where alcohol was served.
Burford said that the fraternity had been socially suspended, meaning it was unable to hold regular social events, until last month. The fraternity also had to hold a risk management workshop as a refresher about the guidelines outlined in UNM’s Fraternities and Sororities Risk Management Procedures document.
Burford said that in addition to the first hearing, which will discuss reasons behind whether the fraternity’s probation should be continued, there will be a second hearing about the alleged violations.
Burford said both hearings are closed to the public.
According to the Daily Lobo, Sigma Alpha Epsilon had been previously suspended in August 2007, when a pledge who was living at the fraternity house was arrested and charged with criminal sexual penetration and sexual contact with a minor.
Then-Dean of Students Randy Boeglin said the whole fraternity was suspended because there were allegations of activity involving alcohol and other drugs surrounding the incident at the house.
In October 2006, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was arrested on suspicion of rape, which also allegedly occurred at the fraternity’s house.
Boeglin said the University did not suspend the fraternity after that incident because UNM found no evidence that any other members of the fraternity were involved.
“I do take past history into account, should a student group be found responsible for a violation of the UNM Student Code of Conduct,” Burford said.
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Jon Gayer, a Greek-Life adviser for Student Activities, said fraternities and sororities must register all parties where alcohol is served through the Student Activities Center seven business days before the event takes place.
Gayer also said fraternity or sorority members must meet to discuss risk-management strategies before the event and after filing registration paperwork.
UNM’s Fraternities and Sororities Risk Management Procedures document lists safety and noise guidelines, and rules the hosting organization must follow, such as refraining from drinking games.
According to the alcohol event registration form provided by Student Activities, the event hosts must possess a valid liquor license for the event, events must conclude by specified times, and at least three members of the fraternity or sorority must serve as event monitors during the event to ensure all UNM policies are followed.
The form states that the site that hosts the event carries the same responsibility as any other vendor that sells alcohol, and as such must engage in standard industry practices which include but are not limited to checking identification, not serving minors, not serving alcohol to those who appear to be intoxicated and maintaining complete control of all alcohol served.
