The UC Berkeley chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity lost its university recognition after repeated risk management, fire and life safety and social code violations, as well as noncompliance with prior sanctions, the campus announced Monday.
The fraternity lost its recognition July 15 following “repeated” violations and noncompliance with prior sanctions, according to an email from Amanda Carlton, director of student involvement for the campus Center for Student Leadership, to the Fraternity and Sorority Life unit of the Division of Student Affairs.
“The chapter … lost University recognition following several repeated attempts by University staff to affect a culture change in the undergraduate membership,” Carlton said in the email.
As a result of the revocation, the chapter cannot apply for or be granted recognition from the university nor recruit members on the UC Berkeley campus for at least four years. Additionally, the national organization, its affiliates and alumni may not recruit members on campus for at least four years.
“In order to return to UC Berkeley as a recognized fraternity chapter, the UC Berkeley Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity must work with Fraternity and Sorority Life staff to complete the process that designates student groups as a fraternity,” the email states.
Last December, the campus also removed recognition from the Zeta Psi fraternity chapter for similar reasons — repeated risk management violations, fire and life safety violations, social code violations, and noncompliance with prior sanctions.
“Removal of University recognition only occurs after all other avenues have been exhausted,” said Grahaeme Hesp, former directory of fraternity and sorority life, in a statement regarding Zeta Psi’s revocation. “It is disappointing to lose any chapter, but especially one with such a long history on the campus.”