Lehigh University Bans Sigma Chi Frat Over Student Binge Drinking

BETHLEHEM, PA — Lehigh University banned the Sigma Chi fraternity from operating on campus for more than two years after two students drank excessively at a house party last month and had to be hospitalized. The private university's committee on discipline revoked recognition of the fraternity effective Nov. 14 - May 31, 2020.

A spokeswoman said a post on the university's Greek community blog serves as the school's statement and she declined to provide additional comment.

No fraternity member called for help during the Oct. 12 champagne party on campus in Bethlehem, the post said. The fraternity previously had been formally warned that its recognition could be revoked after three other alcohol-related violations.

The chapter will lose the right to use university equipment or facilities, including the fraternity house, and is not allowed to use the university's name.

To avoid disruptions mid-semester, the university said undergraduates will not be relocated immediately. The house will become a traditional residence facility.

The fraternity will not appeal the decision, the chapter's president told Lehighvalleylive.com.

The chapter will be eligible to return to campus in 2020, but the school says that could be jeopardized if the fraternity operates in the meantime as an unsanctioned organization.

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