The InterFraternity Council's Judicial Inquiry Board approved a plan for sanctions against the Sigma Chi fraternity last night, IFC President Josh Gottheimer said. Sigma Chi has admitted violating IFC rushing policy, which states that fraternities may not serve alcohol to rushees during the two-week period, according to Gottheimer, a College junior and Alpha Epsilon Pi brother. Gottheimer said Sigma Chi must pay the IFC $1,000 in fines, which will be donated to the Drug and Alcohol Resource Team. The fraternity is also on social probation until April 23, which means that they are not allowed to hold social events until after Spring Fling. And IFC Vice President of Rush Nick Lemen, a Wharton junior and Sigma Alpha Epsilon brother, will review the fraternity's rush and membership programs by February 15. Sigma Chi brothers must also attend mandatory DART workshops on drug awareness. But Gottheimer added that the details of the rush incident are still uncertain, as JIB did not investigate the "facts of the matter" because they were beyond JIB jurisdiction. During an off-campus party following a Sigma Chi rush event January 23, Wharton freshman Jed Ryan was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania by several fraternity brothers for "obvious" reasons, according to Sigma Chi President Jeff Hardy, a College senior. Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta explained that the Student Dispute Resolution Center is still investigating Sigma Chi's alleged violation of University policy, but was uncertain as to when the investigation would be completed. Hardy refused to comment on the situation. Moneta praised the Council for their unprecedented response. "I'm proud of the IFC for taking such definitive and quick action," he said. "It's the first time I can think of that the IFC has taken action like this, and that makes me proud. The sanctions themselves are appropriate." Lemen said he plans to speak to members of Sigma Chi about appropriate rushing procedures and IFC policy.
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