Sigma Phi Epsilon’s NIU chapter has been suspended for five years.
Findings from the fraternity’s Friday judicial hearing harbor a five-year suspension of the chapter, as well as a fine, according to an NIU press release. The ruling also came with educational requirements for its members, according to the release.

At the hearing, Sigma Phi Epsilon was found responsible for harassment, which is a violation of the University Code of Conduct. Harassment is defined in the code as “intentional and wrongful use of words, gestures and actions to annoy, alarm, abuse, embarrass, coerce, intimidate or threaten another person.”
The Judicial Hearing Board consisted of NIU students, faculty and staff members. The board based its judgment on recent events as well as the history of the fraternity, which included previous violations of the code, according to the release.

Sigma Phi Epsilon was absent from the hearing. Chapter president Mike Orescanin could not be reached for comment.

There is an appeal process per the Code of Conduct, according to the release.
“We take alleged violations of our code very seriously,” said Brian Hemphill, vice president of Student Affairs, in the release. “This is a sad day for the NIU Greek community, but community standards must be upheld.”

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