Louisiana State University has suspended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity after an investigation into allegations of fraternity hazing. The LSU fraternity hazing allegations include:
- Kidnapping of a pledge
- Assault of a pledge
- Other allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing
A group of SAE members kidnapped and assaulted an active member of the organization as part of an initiation process. Specifics have not been released to the public as of this time. The kidnapping and assault incident occurred on October 18, 2020, according to university records.
Suspension of LSU SAE for Fraternity Hazing
The LSU Division of Student Affairs has advised that SAE will be suspended through May 31, 2023. In a letter from LSU to the fraternity, the Division of Student Affairs stated SAE was responsible for committing impermissible conduct that includes:
- Coercive behavior
- Endangerment
- Fraternity hazing
Impact of Fraternity Hazing Suspension
As a result of the suspension, LSU SAE will be barred from participating in or sponsoring activities on or off the university campus. In addition, the organization is not permitted to recruit or initiate new members during the suspension period.
Following the period of suspension, the fraternity will be placed on disciplinary probation. The probationary period will run for two years, from June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2025.
Louisiana Law and Fraternity Hazing
In recent times, the state of Louisiana has beefed up its laws pertaining to fraternity hazing. A primary provision of the law is a requirement for an automatic and prompt suspension of a fraternity or sorority that is found to have engaged in hazing.
Prior Suspension of LSU SAE for Fraternity Hazing
The current suspension of the LSU SAE is not the first time the organization has been suspended by the university. SAE at LSU was suspended in 2021. In that case, the Greek organization was suspended for:
- Fraternity hazing
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual misconduct
National Organization Also Suspends LSU SAE
Following action by the university, the national SAE organization also suspended the LSU chapter. In announcing the suspension, the national organization issued a public statement that read in part:
The Louisiana State University chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was suspended “for violations of SAE’s health and safety policies. Sigma Alpha Epsilon does not condone any behavior that creates a dangerous environment for our members, the fraternity and sorority community, or the campus.”
False Information Provided to Police
In announcing the suspension, the university also made note that the fraternity had continually provided false information to the police. In addition, the chapter also provided false and misleading information to university oversight authorities. According to reports released by the university, the LSU SAE leadership and other members provided false and misleading information to law enforcement and university officials on multiple occasions.
Your Legal Rights After Fraternity Hazing
If you’ve been the victim of fraternity hazing, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm can explain your rights. You can connect with a fraternity hazing attorney by calling our firm at (800) 349-0000 any time of the day or night.
A nationwide law firm, we can schedule an initial consultation with an experienced, understanding fraternity hazing lawyer at any one of our 40 offices located across the country. We can also arrange a case evaluation online with a fraternity hazing lawyer. There is never a fee charged for an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm fraternity hazing lawyer.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee pledge to you. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee in your case unless we win for you. Our fraternity hazing lawyer team is committed to fight tirelessly on your behalf for justice, accountability, and the compensation you deserve in your case. We fight to win – and to win big!