Indiana University fraternity placed on cease and desist after alcohol violation

BLOOMINGTON — A fraternity at Indiana University has been placed on cease and desist less than two weeks after the first day of classes.

Sigma Phi Epsilon had all activities suspended as of last Friday "until further notice", according to IU's Division of Student Affairs webpage, which lists campus organizations placed on disciplinary status.

The page lists "endangering others, alcohol" as the reason for the cease and desist status.

Cease and desist directives are placed whenever there are "allegations of behavior that have caused or may cause harm to the members of the organization and/or the community," said IU Director of Media Relations Chuck Carney.

When an organization is placed on cease and desist, it is not allowed to host, attend or participate in social events, recruitment activities, brotherhood or sisterhood events or service events, according to Carney.

Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded in 1901 at what's now the University of Richmond. About 11,000 undergraduates across 200 campuses join the fraternity each year, according to the organization's website.

The fraternity's mission statement says it seeks to help young men "strengthen their character, build leadership and interpersonal skills, and learn to develop healthy, lifelong relationships that are essential to a successful and fulfilling life."

The fall 2022 academic term at IU began on Aug. 22.

WRTV has reached out to a spokesperson for Sigma Phi Epsilon. We are waiting to hear back.