IFC, U. to investigate Sigma Chi

The Sigma Chi fraternity is currently under investigation for allegedly violating InterFraternity Council rushing procedure, the University's alcohol policy and Pennsylvania state law, according to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. During an off-campus party following a Sigma Chi rush event, Wharton freshman and Penn men's basketball player Jed Ryan -- who was rushing the fraternity -- was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania by several fraternity brothers, according to Sigma Chi President Jeff Hardy. "I think [the reason Ryan was brought to HUP] is pretty obvious, but I'm not going to comment on it," the College senior said. A College freshman who was at the party said several rushees were invited to the off-campus party by a Sigma Chi brother. The freshman, who asked to remain anonymous, added that alcohol was served. "They just said someone was having a party and that I was free to go, so most of us [rushees] just went," he explained. The freshman added that there were "quite a few brothers there." As a result of the allegations against the fraternity, acting Director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Scott Reikofski instructed Sigma Chi to cease social and rush functions until further notice. But the fraternity is still allowed to offer bids to prospective pledges. IFC policy decrees that fraternity rush must be dry, meaning fraternities are not allowed to serve alcohol to rushees during the two-week period. The IFC's Judicial Inquiry Board is conducting its own investigation of the fraternity, according to incoming IFC President Josh Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother. But Gottheimer, a College junior, said that questions about application of the alcohol-free policy may arise because the policy is new. "I think we have to sit down and talk to the presidents about these things because we have no official policy on what is [considered] an official rushing event," he said. The Student Dispute Resolution Center is also investigating Sigma Chi to determine if the fraternity violated the University's alcohol policy. Moneta said the investigation may prove damaging to the fraternity's reputation. But Gottheimer said the IFC supports its houses. "Incidents like these, if this is true, just demonstrate that we have to work together more and educate our members," he said. Ryan was released from HUP on Thursday in "good condition" according to hospital spokesperson Franklin Hoke. He is scheduled to return to practice today, men's basketball Coach Fran Dunphy said.