UI frat shut down by headquarters

MOSCOW – The University of Idaho’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity closed Tuesday after an investigation into the chapter revealed a failure to abide by the fraternity’s national guidelines as well as safety and health violations.

The chapter’s recognition will be suspended by the university during the closure. The UI will partner with SAE’s national office to allow recolonization of the fraternity in August 2022 under certain conditions, including that members keep a dry chapter facility and have a live-in adviser.

According to a news release from the UI, the university was made aware of an investigation into the fraternity in December when the chapter was put on a cease and desist order by its headquarters.

“The nature of the allegations were not known to the university at the time,” the news release states.

The UI has since learned allegations included hazing, and it is conducting its own investigation into the matter as part of its student code of conduct process, according to the news release.

Also in December, the UI’s Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council and the Multicultural Greek Council voted to go dry for an indefinite period of time, citing the “growing national crisis surrounding personal violence like hazing and sexual assault, as well as alcohol abuse.”

The moratorium was not imposed in response to any one incident or organization, according to the UI. It has since been lifted for chapters that have met and maintained certain conduct standards.

“We support the decision of SAE’s national office, and commend them for investigating a complaint and making this decision,” Dean of Students Blaine Eckles said in a news release. “The well-being and safety of our students comes first at the University of Idaho, and an investigation by the university into the alleged safety and behavior violations is underway.