By Sami Moore and Andrew Badillo
Quinnipiac is trending on Facebook Monday night, but not for positive reasons.
University officials have placed a cease and desist order on the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter.
“The university issued a cease and desist order to Sigma Phi Epsilon over the weekend while it investigates allegations regarding the fraternity’s process for new members,” said Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs. “We have zero tolerance for any behavior which threatens the safety and security of any member of the university community.”
Sig Ep is the third greek life organization to receive a cease and desist order from the university in the last three years. Alpha Chi Omega was temporarily shutdown in November 2013 while the university investigated its “member behavior.” The sorority was reinstated a few months later. Almost a year later, Tau Kappa Epsilon was kicked off campus in December 2014 for hazing.
Sig Ep recently made headlines after a video went viral showing its members carrying brother Joey Mullaney up Sleeping Giant mountain. Mullaney suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia, a degenerative disease that inhibits leg and arm coordination.
The Connecticut-Epsilon chapter of the fraternity was founded in 2005.
Student Government Association President, Jonny Atkin, has not responded to a request for comment.
***UPDATE*** 2:29 p.m., Tuesday
“Responding to an anonymous report of hazing received over the weekend, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity has asked its Quinnipiac chapter to temporarily suspend activities until an investigation is complete. We expect all of our students to behave according to both their university’s policies and ours, and we take health and safety violations seriously. We work with our university partners to investigate any and all allegations of student misconduct.”
“In 1991 our Balanced Man Program replaced pledging with an experience focused on equal rights and responsibilities, continuous development, and accountability. We know that 90 percent of the college experience takes place outside the walls of a classroom, and through the Balanced Man Program we are able to offer an experience that contributes positively to a student’s academic success, personal health and well-being, and professional growth. We’re committed to providing this experience on every campus where we support a chapter.”
Stick with Q30 Television for updates.
