USC Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Closed by Nationals

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter-house on The Row at USC.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon national headquarters announced the closure of the California Gamma chapter at USC as of Tuesday evening. It said the fraternity’s failure to follow the organization’s guidelines and principles prompted the decision.

According to a statement from the national headquarters, the chapter was unable to maintain an “alcohol-free housing status,” and did not “comply with cease-and-desist orders,” which called to suspend all activity during investigation or sanctions. According to the statement other violations included hazing, disregards to health and safety, and an inability to adhere to SAE’s “The True Gentleman” policy.

The policy that the USC's chapter had to adhere to since March eliminated the pledge program throughout all chapters nationwide, and required that new members be initiated within 96 hours of receiving a bid, in order to avoid mistreatment. The organization hoped this would encourage brothers to take an active role in the fraternity. 

The previous fall, the USC chapter had been put on probation following an incident including a Loyola Marymount student, who suffered serious injuries after falling at an SAE party.

“It’s unfortunate that our chapter at USC chose a path that ignored all of the resources we offer. But there are consequences for their lack of leadership and for failing to act as gentlemen,” said Brandon Weghorst, spokesperson for the national headquarters, in the statement.

SAE nationals has given former members until the end of the week to vacate the chapter-house.