Sigma Chi tried to argue that the three brothers participating in the hazing incident were acting within their own capacity and not on behalf of their organization, and that the fraternity should not be held responsible as a whole, UCF records show.
“There were several discussions during today’s hearing related to the notion of Group Responsibility, and its application to the incident. The argument was made that because there were three brothers acting within their own capacity and within a non-organizational responsibility, that Sigma Chi as a whole should not be held responsible,” said David Oglethorpe, the administrative hearing officer, in his rationale.
Despite that there were three brothers carrying out the hazing on the pledge, there were five to six active brothers present, according to UCF documents.
READ RATIONALE SAYING SUSPENSION SHOULD LAST THROUGH FALL 2017
After the hazing incident had occurred, the fraternity did not report it to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life or the Office of Student Conduct. This requirement was added to Sigma Chi’s bylaws by its members during its past disciplinary sanction review process, according to UCF documents.
The rationale stated Sigma Chi admitted it was in violation of disruptive conduct during the hearing, but pleaded not guilty of hazing and alcohol misconduct.
The fraternity also admitted that several pledges were initiated into the organization, although they were ineligible due to grades and/or enrollment status, according to UCF documents.
Oglethorpe continued to say in the rationale that current changes are being made and that the administration of the fraternity is dedicated to a culture of change. However, it is also apparent that changes needed to be made from the organization’s previous violation had not been made.
Oglethorpe recommended that the fraternity go on suspension through the end of the Fall 2017 semester.
