Cal Poly Pomona Fraternity Sanctioned for Hazing

A Cal Poly Pomona fraternity has been sanctioned for hazing.

The university’s Office of Judicial Affairs investigated Sigma Nu and found that the fraternity had violated the group’s social probation and participated in coerced hazing activities that included underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors, according to a news release.

“The chapter also obstructed the investigation by providing false information and concealing information through the course of the investigation,” officials wrote in a news release.

The university consulted with the national organization of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. to decide on the punishment.  Both Cal Poly and the national organization have suspended Sigma Nu through 2018.  The fraternity’s return to campus will depend on how the members behave while suspended, officials said.  They also much complete educational workshops on hazing, said Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Freer.

“We have made it clear to students in a multitude of ways that hazing is illegal, and we have zero tolerance for it in any manner,” Freer said. “While many organizations on campus have done good work to reflect on and modify old practices, this organization unfortunately chose to go in a different direction.  As such, they are no longer recognized at the university.”

During the suspension, fraternity members may not sponsor campus events, have group meetings, or use items that bear the organization’s trademarks, symbols, or name, officials said.

The earliest recruitment could start, if Sigma Nu is allowed to return to campus, would be July 1, 2019.  The fraternity also would be put on probation for a year after reforming at Cal Poly, official said.

Those in the fraternity alleged to have been involved in the hazing are going through the disciplinary process, official said.  Actions they could face include case dismissal, warnings, probation, or suspension.