Due to numerous infractions from Seton Hall’s Sigma Pi Fraternity, university administrators have revoked the chapter’s recognition. Seton Hall reflected Sigma Pi’s national leadership decision, which on April 24 declared the chapter closed. Before that decision, the chapter was to be on probation until spring 2019.
According to Assistant Director of Leadership Development, Michael Davis, the Delta-Epsilon chapter of Sigma Pi violated “university and organizational policy.” Davis wrote in an email that the violations specifically dealt with areas of health and safety.
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Photo via Wikimedia. After a number of infractions, administrators have decided to disband the Sigma Pi chapter at Seton Hall.[/caption]
Seton Hall’s fraternity and sorority expansion has grown greatly within the past four years, according to Davis.
“We work very closely with our councils to determine strategic expansion efforts that will elevate our community as a whole,” Davis said. “While we welcome the idea of expansion, we currently do not have a potential date of return for Sigma Pi.”
Additionally, Davis, although not a member of Seton Hall’s Sigma Pi chapter, is a member of the fraternity. He stated that his experience within Sigma Pi has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life.
“I’ve learned so much about myself, met some of my best friends, and have been introduced to opportunities of a lifetime. Fraternity and sorority, when done right, can offer its members a compass that guides them towards their fullest potential day-by-day,” Davis said.
Davis expressed his disappointment regarding the chapter’s termination. He said while it is unfortunate that the chapter has faced expulsion, the Seton Hall community has a responsibility to support principled decisions and learn from an organization’s mistakes.
“Our hope is that through this experience, we can partner with our chapters and students to continue to grow as a community and be agents of positive change,” Davis said.
In an email statement sent from Davis to organizational leaders across campus, the statement notified the community that Sigma Pi’s Delta Epsilon Chapter “must cease and desist operations and is not permitted to host any events on or off campus.” The statement also included that any organization, which aids or supports a Sigma Pi event, thereby violates University policy.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) President, Andre Bakhos, a junior mathematical finance and information technology management major, reiterated Davis’ sentiments. Bakhos described Sigma Pi’s actions as an “unfortunate example for the Greek Community.”
Nevertheless, Bakhos claimed that the IFC, The Central Panhellenic Council and the Greek Municipal Assembly are collaborating to establish more rigorous risk management policies.
“Greek organizations should let this event be a warning to them, to stick to their roots as value-based organizations working together with the greater community to improve the world through service and philanthropy,” Bakhos said.
Thomas Schwartz can be reached at thomas.schwartz@student.shu.edu.
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