Sigma Chi's charter revoked

The national Sigma Chi Fraternity revoked the local chapter's charter sometime in the past few days according to local chapter members.

Details are still sketchy, but according to ASUA President and Sigma Chi member J.P. Benedict, the charter was suspended because of the fraternity's history of hazing violations.

Sigma Chi President Hardy Drackett could not be reached for comment.

Most recently, the house came under investigation by the Dean of Students Office after hazing was anonymously reported during the initiation week beginning Jan. 5. Thirty-six pledges were present.

The fraternity had already lost its university recognition in May 2002 for prior hazing violations.

In October 2001, Sigma Chi had an anonymous report of hazing, which led the Dean of Students Office to suspend the fraternity's activities.

According to the UA Student Code of Conduct, hazing is "any activity undertaken or situation created, by any individual, group of individuals or organization, in which individuals are voluntarily or involuntarily subjected to activities that have the potential to harass, intimidate, impart pain, humiliate, invite ridicule or, cause undue mental or physical fatigue or distress, or to cause mutilation, laceration, or bodily injury."