Sigma Chi violation not the first

The Student Dispute Resolution Center's investigation of the Sigma Chi fraternity for its alleged January 23 violation of the University's alcohol policy is the first major investigation of the year. But it is certainly not the first investigation of a fraternity or sorority in University history. In January 1995, monitors caught the Pi Kappa Phi and Zeta Psi fraternities serving alcohol at parties, violating the Bring Your Own Beer policy. In September 1993, at least 10 fraternities were written up for violating the Greek system's alcohol policy. And Phi Kappa Sigma lost its charter and was forced to vacate its Locust Walk house because the chapter did not meet certain standards of operation, Executive Vice President of the national office Alan Preston said at the time. The Alpha Chi Omega sorority was placed on social probation in March of 1993 following an investigation by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. In November 1992, Theta Xi's national office revoked the University chapter's charter following the incurrence of physical damage to the University-owned fraternity house during an October party. And in June 1992, the University suspended Pi Kappa Alpha for numerous hazing incidents. In April 1991, University Police and the Philadelphia Police Sex Crimes Unit investigated a report of attempted rape at Zeta Beta Tau, then-Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said at the time. And former Judicial Inquiry Officer Constance Goodman found the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity responsible for charges of alcohol misuse and hazing. The JIO also found the Acacia fraternity responsible in a sexual harassment case in 1991, and found the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity responsible for three hazing incidents in the same year. Psi Upsilon was suspended indefinitely by its national office in the summer of 1990. The University revoked the fraternity's charter following the January kidnapping of a Delta Psi brother by Psi U members earlier in the year. Also in 1990, the JIO investigated PiKA for a pledge prank involving a kidnapped horse. The fraternity's national office removed a number of brothers from the house, giving them early alumni status. Alpha Chi Rho and ZBT were put on probation for bringing strippers to rush events in 1988. ZBT had been suspended from campus for 18 months prior to this incident. But InterFraternity Council President Josh Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother, said he believes the Greek system is moving in a positive direction. "I think that on the whole, the plan for the 21st century emphasizes academics and community service and education -- starting to educate the Greek system as a whole about being more cautious and safer," the College junior said. Gottheimer added that he believes the sanctions levied against Sigma Chi by the IFC's Judicial Inquiry Board demonstrate the strength and determination of the Greek system. "JIB gives weight and puts teeth into a system that we really believe in," Gottheimer said. "It's a very pro-active and positive step, and JIB itself is unprecedented in our system." And Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said she shares Gottheimer's enthusiasm for the Greek system. "I applaud the leadership of Penn Greeks and the many students I have spoken with who join me to urge responsible conduct, at all times, in all places, from all community members," she said.