STORRS, Conn. ― The University of Connecticut has banned a second Greek organization over a hazing episode in which a woman says she was forced to lie on the floor and “sizzle like bacon” and then drink alcohol until she passed out.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity joins the banned sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, which had its registration and recognition revoked last week over the same incident. The university says the hazing of sorority members occurred at Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s off-campus house in March.
The fraternity won’t be allowed to reapply as a student organization for at least five years. That is a year longer than the punishment meted out to Kappa Kappa Gamma.
“Our mission is to provide a first-rate learning environment, and as our actions in response to this event indicate, we take this very seriously,” Stephanie Reitz, a school spokeswoman, said in statement Monday.
Kappa Kappa Gamma has until today to appeal the ruling. SAE was given until May 19.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon spokesman Brandon Weghorst said the national fraternity has no tolerance for hazing among its member chapters.
“We view our relationship with universities as a partnership and, as such, Sigma Alpha Epsilon may appeal the length of the suspension so that we may return to campus with a new group of men in the near future,” he said in a statement Tuesday.
