SAE Fraternity Appeals Northwestern Suspension

EVANSTON, IL — Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity will remain in their house on Northwestern University's campus through the end of the spring quarter as a result of an appeal filed Friday by the chapter against its suspension.

The fraternity was suspended last week until after a University investigation determined the organization violated the terms of its 2016 probation by "repeatedly hosting parties and providing alcohol to minors," according to NU's spokesperson Bob Rowley.

The frat had been placed under disciplinary probation for the duration of the 2017 calendar year. The suspension currently being appealed is due to last until September 2018.

In February, the University issued an email alert informing students it had received an anonymous report that four women may have been drugged and two sexually assaulted at an event at the SAE house Jan. 21.

In March, the school announced the Title IX investigation into the chapter had ended and no further disciplinary action would be taken. In the same announcement, the school said a separate investigation was underway into violations of the University's code of conduct.

Rowley said the appeal is expected to take three to four weeks. Like the investigation into the probation violation, it will be handled by the school's department of student affairs.

Frat members can stay in the house "pending the appeal through the end of the spring quarter as long as they are in compliance with the terms of their probation and University standards," he said.

Top photo | Sigma Alpha Epsilon Northwestern Fraternity House | Street View