Ole Miss frat closed after statue incident

Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity is closing its University of Mississippi chapter, citing “a pattern of bad behavior and serious, inexcusable hazing.”

The university announced the decision, made by the fraternity’s board of directors, in a news release that did not mention a highly publicized incident in February in which three members of the fraternity were expelled for draping a noose around the neck of a statue of civil rights icon James Meredith, who integrated Ole Miss in 1962.

“We are disappointed that a pattern of bad behavior and serious, inexcusable hazing occurred within the chapter,” UM dean of students Sparky Reardon said in the news release. “Periodic reports from and meetings with local alumni and national headquarters led us to believe that the chapter was improving.

“Based on regular visits by representatives from the University of Mississippi Office of Greek Life with current Sigma Phi Epsilon members, chapter officers, local and regional volunteers, and national headquarters, the university had no reason to believe this type of behavior and conduct was happening.”

After the Meredith incident, the chapter was suspended indefinitely.

The three unidentified members expelled were all freshmen from Georgia who, in addition to the noose, draped the statue on the Oxford campus with an old Georgia state flag.

Brian C. Warren Jr., CEO of the Richmond, Va.-based fraternity, said at the time that the frat would not “allow the actions of a few men to undermine the more than five decades of leadership the fraternity has demonstrated in the fight for racial equality and diversity on our college campuses.”

But Ole Miss, in its statement, said an internal review by the fraternity’s national headquarters, conducted at the university’s request, uncovered “conduct violating both fraternity and university policies. This conduct included underage drinking and hazing incidents.”

“We are surprised and extremely disappointed that these activities occurred, and we are committed to providing a safe, educational environment for all students,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, vice chancellor for student affairs.

The university noted it has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing, and incidents can be reported anonymously to the Office of the Dean of Students.