Purdue suspends campus version of 'Animal House'

Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. and Purdue University on Tuesday announced the suspension of the fraternity's Purdue Beta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Nu for two years, effective immediately.

The suspension stems from reported incidents of hazing, including servitude, calisthenics, scavenger hunts and activities between midnight and 7:30 a.m., as well as providing alcohol to minors and reported drug use during functions.

The incidents occurred during the fall 2014 semester and were reported at the conclusion of the semester.

The suspension follows university and national fraternity investigations that concluded such activities took place.

"Sigma Nu regrets the loss of the Beta Zeta chapter," Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. executive director Brad Beacham said.

"However, in keeping with our mission to develop ethical leaders, the Fraternity cannot tolerate such violations of its law, policies and principles."

The national fraternity will work with chapter alumni leaders, university officials and student leaders to re-establish the chapter in the future, Beacham sad.

The charter suspension means the chapter will cease to function until recolonization.

Approximately 25 student residents of the privately owned chapter house in the 1300 block of Tower Drive must find new accommodations.

Purdue's Office of the Dean of Students is working with them to find housing options both on campus and off.

The chapter will be eligible to return to the campus for the fall 2017 semester.

Sigma Nu is the second Purdue fraternity to be suspended this year. In January, the Acacia fraternity was suspended after a student member was accused of raping a visiting student after an unauthorized party.

Last month, Purdue's Interfraternity Council imposed a blanket ban on hard alcohol at all fraternity properties and chapter events.