University of Tennessee suspends Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity for four years

The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been suspended for four years by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The university accused the fraternity of alcohol, drug and property damage violations.

The chapter has been suspended until the spring 2027 semester due to "repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct and their disciplinary sanctions," UT spokesperson Kerry Gardner said.

Members must leave the on-campus house at 1832 Fraternity Park Drive by April 3.

The university said the chapter has had several violations over the years.

“The chapter’s prior conduct record and current status under interim restrictions due to repeated violations of their disciplinary sanctions serve as aggravating factors,” the university wrote to fraternity leaders.

The Tennessee Alpha Chapter was founded in 1913, the university said in a news release. The current list of members is less than 30, and each undergraduate member will be expelled from the fraternity and excluded from frat alumni status. Former members can appeal for fraternity alumni status after graduation.

This suspension restricts members from recruiting, wearing or displaying any Sigma Phi Epsilon or Tennessee Alpha Chapter symbols, hosting fraternity events, enrolling in the insurance program and participating in associated rituals.

The suspension can be lengthened if "rogue activities" by the organization and those affiliated occur during the suspension period.

The chapter signed an Alternate Resolution Agreement in November. It was supposed to operate under specific restrictions until March 20, but a notice to fraternity leaders said the chapter violated the agreement.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee suspends Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity